General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Increased Contribution)

HC Deb 16 June 1967 vol 748 cc143-4W

Sir R. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the cause of the estimated 30 per cent. increase in the United Kingdom share of the expenses of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in 1967–68 compared with 1966–67.

Mr. Jay

The budget of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade went up from $2,326,350 in 1966–67 to $3,030,000 for 1967–68. The increase was primarily due to increased activity of the G.A.T.T. in connection with The Kennedy Round of tariff negotiations, and trade issues affecting less developed countries. The United Kingdom contribution rose from $244,270 to $320,421, but the U.K. share of the budget is practically unchanged at about 10½ per cent.