§ 47. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the President of the Board of Trade why Her Majesty's Government concurred in the decision made at Geneva by the contracting parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to establish a standing council and to enlarge its secretariat; what advantage to the United Kingdom is expected therefrom; and whether he will give an assurance that no extra public charge will result.
§ Mr. ErrollHer Majesty's Government concurred in the decision to establish a council because they believe that the present day problems of international trade require closer and more continuing attention than the contracting parties can give to them in two short sessions each year. The effective application of the G.A.T.T. which the establishment of the council is designed to facilitate is to the advantage of the United Kingdom in view of her dependence on international trade. The secretariat will need to be strengthened 19W to deal with the increased work falling upon it independently of the establishment of the council, and this will result in some increase in the contribution from the United Kingdom.