§ 65. Mr. Hockingasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what further development he envisages in trade with Poland, Czechoslovakia, Roumania, Hungary and Bulgaria; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeathAs the House is aware, most manufactured goods can be imported freely into the United Kingdom without quantitative restrictions. Among the main exceptions are the products of Eastern area countries.
In the Debate on the Address I said that I was prepared to look very carefully at the possibility of a more flexible system for the control of imports from some of these countries if this were likely to increase the volume of trade in both directions. I have decided that, provided I can conclude satisfactory arrangements with Poland, Czechoslovakia, Roumania, Hungary and Bulgaria, the existing quota restrictions 38W on the import of a number of manufactured goods from those countries should be removed; but I shall sanction this change only if the countries concerned will ensure that their goods enter the United Kingdom at prices which are not disruptive, and that they increase their trade with the United Kingdom. I shall of course reserve the right to reimpose quota restrictions immediately on any product if at any time I consider this is necessary. I am arranging for the industries principally concerned to be informed.
Negotiations with the individual countries concerned will take place as soon as practicable. Those with Czechoslovakia are just beginning in London.
These arrangements should enable the Eastern area countries to earn more sterling to finance increased exports from the United Kingdom.