§ 82. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Her Majesty's Government intend to generalise preferences hitherto given to developing Commonwealth countries in advance of corresponding action by all other developed countries and irrespective of the wishes of other Commonwealth countries; and what assessment has been made of the balance of economic advantage to the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries of such generalisation of preferences.
§ Mr. NobleIn deciding when to implement our scheme we shall have regard to the actions of other Governments. The Commonwealth developing countries participated in the agreement reached at U.N.C.T.A.D. and should gain from duty-free access to other main markets. The increased flow of trade resulting from U.N.C.T.A.D. preferences should bring benefit to the developed countries, including the United Kingdom.
§ 83. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent preferences have now been generalised; and what discussions on such generalisation are being, and have been, held with the French, Commonwealth and other Governments.
§ Mr. NobleDuty-free entry on manufactured goods (other than textiles), semi-manufactures and certain agricultural products will be open to non-Commonwealth developing countries. We have had full discussions with the Commonwealth and with other developed countries including the EE.C., whose U.N.C.T.A.D. preferences will be granted to Commonwealth developing countries.