§ 22. Mr. McKayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what official proposals have been received for the admission of Portugal into the new European Common Market of seven countries, including the United Kingdom; what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding such proposals, in view of the adverse effect of the subsidised Portuguese export trade in fibre products upon the hard fibre cordage trade of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingPortuguese officials have taken part in the Stockholm discussions but since none of the seven Governments concerned has yet entered into any commitment it is too soon to 107W say which countries will be members of the proposed free trade association if it is set up. If there is to be such an organisation, it is likely that it will have rules about the use of export subsidies.