§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware that Part 5 Customs Questions Regulation 2780/71/EEC of 20th December, 1971 was published in English translation and made available to Members of Parliament on 27th May, 1972; and whether he will explain how and in what way this will affect Great Britain.
§ Mr. EmeryYes. As this Regulation suspended the common customs tariff on certain products for limited periods as from 1st January, 1972, its main effect on the United Kingdom will be that, by virtue of Article 31 of the Act of Accession, United Kingdom exporters to the existing Community will continue to benefit throughout the whole transition period from lower rates of duty than would have otherwise applied to imports into the Six from the United Kingdom. The Regulation does not affect the United Kingdom transitional tariff.