§ Mr. Eyreasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the European Free Trade Association preferences enjoyed by the main categories of goods from Portugal on import into this country and the similar preferences granted by Portugal to imported British goods.
§ Mr. JayGoods qualifying for E.F.T.A. tariff treatment imported into Britain from Portugal pay duty at the normal E.F.T.A. rate, currently 30 per cent. of the basic protective duty.
E.F.T.A. goods imported into Portugal benefit from a similar E.F.T.A. rate of protective duty, with the exception of those goods covered by Annex G to the Convention. This Annex makes special provision for Portugal in recognition of her relatively less-developed economy. The duty on Annex G goods is at present either 70 per cent. of the basic duty, or is being reduced according to special timetables agreed by the Council.
§ Mr. Eyreasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make representations to the Portuguese Government as a member of the European Free Trade Association to abolish their import quota of 75 built-up cars of each make annually in view of their reserves of $900 millions.
§ Mr. JayNo. The quota on built-up cars is applied by the Portuguese Government in accordance with a special arrangement sanctioned by the Council of the Association and designed to assist in the development of a Portuguese assembly industry.