§ Mr. Leightonasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what is the approximate level of tariff on imports of textiles and clothing, respectively, when imported from non-EEC countries; what was the level before the United Kingdom joined the EEC; what is his estimate of the elasticity of demand in each case; and by how much he estimates that imports from the EEC would be reduced if the orginal tariff was to be reimposed on such imports;
(2) what is the approximate level of tariff on imports of iron and steel products from non-EEC countries; what was the level before the United Kingdom joined the EEC; what is his estimate of the elasticity of demand for imports of iron and steel; and by how much he estimates that imports of iron and steel from the EEC would be reduced if the orginal tariff was reimposed on such imports;
(3) what is the current tariff on imports of motor cars from non-EEC countries; what was the tariff before the United Kingdom joined the EEC; what is his estimate of the elasticity of demand for imports of motor cars; and by how 592W much he estimates that imports of motor cars from the EEC would be reduced if the orginal tariff was reimposed on such imports.
§ Mr. ParkinsonA number of tariffs apply to products in the iron and steel, textile and clothing sectors. The tariffs listed below for 1 January 1972 and 1 July 1979 are representative for the main products in these groups.
1 January 1972 Per cent. 1 July 1979 Per cent. Textiles (woven fabrics) … 17.5 13 to 18 Clothing … 20 17 Iron and Steel … 8 7 Motor cars … 11 11 Even if the relevant demand and supply elasticities could be estimated with any confidence they would have uncertain application in current conditions of spare capacity in some of these sectors and also in view of measures aimed at stabilisation, particularly the Community's arrangements for iron and steel products.