HC Deb 20 November 1958 vol 595 c184W
63. Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet made an estimate of the effect that the common external tariff of the European Common Market will have on the exports of the Colonial Territories after 1st January, 1959; and if he will give details in respect of the major commodities.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

New and progressively increasing tariff preferences for the Associated Overseas Territories of the Six in markets of the Six would inevitably make it progressively more difficult for our dependent overseas territories to sell their products in these markets. This would affect their development plans. In discussions with the Six under the aegis of the G.A.T.T. H.M.G. and other affected parties are seeking to secure mitigation of the threatened damage. Current discussions include cocoa, coffee, bananas and tea.