§ Mr. C. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what decisions were arrived at by the Consultative Committee of the European Free Trade Association at its recent meeting in Basle; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. du CannThe E.F.T.A. Consultative Committee is an Advisory body; it provides a forum in which representatives of the main sectors of economic life can exchange views on E.F.T.A. affairs. Subjects discussed at the recent meeting in Basle include various aspects of the E.F.T.A. rules of competition, non-tariff barriers to trade and E.F.T.A.'s information policy. The views expressed by members of the Committee will be fully taken into account in the Association's further work on these subjects.
§ Mr. C. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development when the next meeting of the Economic Development Committee of the European Free Trade Association will be held; and if he will make a statement on the work so far done by this Committee.
§ Mr. du CannI expect the second meeting of the Economic Development Committee to take place in June. Until this has taken place I have nothing to add to the reply about the Committee's work which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 6th February.