HC Deb 27 March 1968 vol 761 cc275-6W
70. Mr. Leadbitter

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the working party set up to discuss the Norwegian complaint against Her Majesty's Government's policy of encouraging the development of the aluminium smelting industry in the United Kingdom has completed its work; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Darling

The Special E.F.T.A. Working Party has completed its work and reported to the E.F.T.A. Council who considered the report between 14th and 21st March. The Council concluded that in all the circumstances further bilateral talks between United Kingdom and Norway should be undertaken. These talks took place in London yesterday and we and the Norwegians will now be reporting back to the Council.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will make a statement on his recent talks with Britain's European Free Trade Association partners on the question of the construction of aluminium smelters in development areas; and if he will give an assurance that these projects will go ahead.

Mr. Darling

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given today to my hon. Friend the Member for the Hartle-pools (Mr. Leadbitter). A decision on these projects will be announced as soon as possible.