§ Sir Anthony GrantTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he is taking in response to Argentine resolution 3620/88 ANA which formalises discrimination against imports from the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkResolution 3620/88 ANA published on 3 January 1989 in the Official Bulletin publicly302W confirmed Argentina's unilateral discrimination against the United Kingdom. Argentina has kept British imports out by a variety of administrative measures since 1982, and still refuses to accept our shipping and air services. The United Kingdom does not discriminate against imports from Argentina; we lifted our embargo in 1985.
We are committed to seeking more normal relations with Argentina and have proposed a series of initiatives to that end. The Argentine response has so far been disappointing and the publication of resolution 3620/88 ANA will do nothing to promote better relations.
Our protecting power has already delivered a note of protest. We have drawn the resolution to the attention of the World Bank, since in our view it conflicts with the trade liberalisation policies being supported by a World Bank loan. The European Commission with which we are in close touch on this issue share our concern and have made it clear to the Argentine authorities that there is no scope for developing EC/Argentine relations as long as discrimination against our exports and air and shipping interests continues. Both these organisations have a role to play in persuading Argentina to drop this discrimination.