HC Deb 23 February 1960 vol 618 cc30-1W
56. Mr. Tiley

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the long negotiations taking place with the United States authorities in connection with the tariff quota on woollen and worsted cloth imports, whether he will take urgent action to protect the interests of United Kingdom exporters which are at present prejudiced by the arrangements in force between the United States of America and Italy and Japan.

Mr. Erroll

There are no special arrangements designed to favour the Japanese or the Italians, although the United States' tariff quota has operated in a way which has particularly harmed United Kingdom exports, while both Italy and Japan have increased their sales. Her Majesty's Government have made many representations to the United States' Government since the quota was first imposed. My right hon. Friend expressed his concern about it to the United States' authorities when he was in Washington last month. The United States' Government are fully aware that we are anxious to have this question settled as quickly as possible.