§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the President of the Board of Trade what consideration his Department has given to the proposals of the International Chamber of Commerce, a copy of which has been sent to him, for an across-the-board elimination of tariffs, over a ten-year period; what discussions there have been with other Governments about these proposals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mason:These proposals have been studied with interest. I understand that the I.C.C. has already submitted them to G.A.T.T., which is the appropriate forum for international consultations on these questions. As I said in an answer to the hon. Member for Black-pool, South (Mr. Blaker) on 29th April, the G.A.T.T. is at present actively engaged in a study of the question of non-tariff barriers to trade; it is also carrying out a study of the post-Kennedy Round tariff position and is to study possible techniques of negotiation. On the basis of these studies the Contracting Parties at their next Session will consider the possibilities of further action. Her Majesty's Government will continue to take an active part in all stages of this work.—[Vol. 800, c. 1227–8.]