§ 88 and 89. Mr. Blakerasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the result of his consultations with the Council of the European Free Trade Association about the Import Deposits Act; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the result of his consultations with the European Free Trade 403W Association about the remission or refund to British exporters to European Free Trade Association countries of import deposits; and whether such remission or refund may now be obtained in addition to European Free Trade Association area tariff treatment.
§ Mr. Dell:I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend during the debate on the Customs (Import Deposits) Bill on 3rd December. The import deposits scheme is now being considered by the Official Council of E.F.T.A. In particular the admissibility for E.F.T.A. tariff treatment of goods on which remission or refund of import deposit has been given is being considered by the Council as a matter of urgency and I hope that it may be possible for them to reach a decision this week on this issue.—[Vol. 774, c. 1310–11.]