HC Deb 23 February 1967 vol 741 cc331-2W
Mr. Barnett

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will taken immediate action to prevent further damage to the Lancashire textile industry by seeking to exclude Portuguese textiles from future arrangements in the European Free Trade Association.

Mr. Jay

The E.F.T.A. Convention, of which Britain and Portugal are both signatories, gives each country trading advantages in the other's market. I have, however, made clear to the Portuguese authorities the difficulties caused by the high rates of Portuguese shipments in recent months. Their response gives me reason to believe that these rates will prove to be exceptional.