§ Mr. Dellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the recent agreement between the United States of America and Canada regarding free trade in cars and car parts has yet been studied by the contracting parties of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; when a decision is expected regarding any possible violation of its rules; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JayThe Contracting Parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, now holding their 22nd Session in Geneva, set up on 9th March a Working Party, on which the United Kingdom Government are represented, to consider this agreement between Canada and the United States of America in relation to the provisions of the G.A.T.T. It is not yet known when the Contracting Parties will conclude their consideration of this matter, and I cannot add to the statement which my hon. Friend made in answer to my hon. Friend's earlier Question of 3rd February.
§ Mr. Dellasked the President of the Board of Trade what is the result of the consultations he has had with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders on the likely effect on United Kingdom exports of the recent agreement between the United States of America and Canada instituting free trade in cars and car parts between the two countries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JayThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders consider that the agreement between the United States and Canada will damage the competitive position of British exporters of motor vehicles 257W and parts, especially in Canada. The Canadian Government are still considering our representations about this.