§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is aware that from 2nd February 1976 New Zealand importers of many British exports will have to pay import deposits of one-third of the value of their proposed imports; what measures he proposes to take in retaliation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeakinsYes. Details of the New Zealand Import Deposit Scheme have been published by my Department in the Export Intelligence Service and in the 6th February edition of the weekly publicationTrade and Industry. The Scheme which, it has been announced, will last for one year is limited in coverage and seems likely to apply to about 9 per cent. of our exports to New Zealand. The Scheme will be examined in the OECD and the GATT. I have expressed my concern to the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Overseas Trade.