§ 61. Mr. John Leeasked the President of the Board of Trade how many infringements against the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade committed by foreign signatories to the detriment of British interests have come to the notice of his Department since 1st January, 1952; what representations have been made by the British Government; and if he will make a statement regarding the policy of the Government in respect of retaliatory action.
§ Mr. MasonSince January, 1952, the British Government of the day, acting alone or in association with other Governments, have made use of the consultation procedure laid down in the G.A.T.T. for the settlement of disputes in some 16 cases. In other cases in which action damaging to our trade has been taken by overseas Governments, representations have been made through diplomatic channels, drawing attention to our G.A.T.T. rights where these were relevant.
Her Majesty's Government fully support the principle of the G.A.T.T. that Contracting Parties should seek to settle their disputes by consultation and conciliation and should be authorised to take retaliatory action only in serious cases.