HC Deb 23 November 1954 vol 533 c116W
91. Mr. Janner

asked the President of the Board of Trade what specific restrictions at present remain with regard to imports and exports between France and Great Britain; and what steps are being taken to reduce these restrictions in the near future.

Mr. Low

On the basis of the calculations used by the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, about 35 per cent. of French imports on private account from other O.E.E.C. countries are still subject to restriction; in the case of the United Kingdom, the corresponding figure is only 17 per cent. Regular talks take place between the French Government and ourselves at which the possibilities of increasing quotas are discussed; and, as members of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, both countries have undertaken to remove import restrictions to the maximum extent which their balance of payments permits.