HC Deb 18 November 1959 vol 613 cc144-5W
Lieut. - Colonel Bromley - Davenport

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present position with regard to the arrangement between Finland and the Outer Seven Countries forming the European Free Trade Association; and whether it is yet agreed that Finland will participate like the other countries in the proposed reduction of tariffs by 20 per cent. on 1st July, 1960.

Mr. Barber

I have been asked to reply.

Finland has not been taking part in the negotiations between the seven countries which will form the European Free Trade Association. A statement was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Helsinki on 13th November, however, to the effect that the Finnish Government hoped to initiate negotiations about the basis on which Finland could participate in the Association's arrangements.