HC Deb 19 March 1964 vol 691 cc205-6W
14. Mr. Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development whether, in view of the threatened deadlock in the Kennedy round of tariff negotiations, he will take an initiative by offering to make unilateral cuts in those British tariffs where there is a disparity between a high British tariff and a lower Common Market tariff.

Mr. du Cann

The European Economic Community are at present considering proposals recently put forward by the United States and supported by ourselves and our E.F.T.A. partners. Discussions continue, and I do not accept that there is a threatened deadlock. Any initiative of the kind suggested by the hon. Member would be contrary to our intention to negotiate on a basis of reciprocity.