HC Deb 30 October 1956 vol 558 cc130-1W
85 and 86. Mr. Bottomley

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will make a statement about the proposed free trade area between the six member countries of the Coal and Steel Pool and other members of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation ;

(2) if he will make a statement concerning his talks in Washington with Commonwealth Ministers about Her Majesty's Government's views on tightening economic links with Europe.

Mr. Low

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Answer given to Question No. 10 last Tuesday by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

88. Mr. Osborne

asked the President of the Board of Trade in regard to the European free trade area into which Her Majesty's Government is contemplating entering, what arrangements are contemplated for permitting the freer movement of labour from country to country within the area; and what safeguards are envisaged for our armament producing industries so as to enable the United Kingdom to defend itself in case of another European war.

Mr. Low

Under the proposals which are now being considered arrangements for the movement of labour would remain within the control of the individual Governments. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to him on 25th October.

Mr. Thornton

asked the President of the Board of Trade the current rate of duty levied by the United Kingdom on imports of cotton yarn and cloth from countries included in the proposed free trade area, and also the corresponding rates levied by these countries on imports from the United Kingdom.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I would refer the hon. Member to the last part of the Answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 25th October.