HC Deb 08 February 1968 vol 758 cc223-4W
Mr. Willey

asked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from the European Free Trade Association countries about the future of the aluminium smelter industry, and whether he has given, or will give, an undertaking that there will be no discrimination against imports from European Free Trade Association countries.

Mr. Darling

When they met on 24th January, the Norwegian Minister of Commerce and Shipping told my right hon. Friend that he regarded the development of British aluminium smelters in Britain as contrary to the E.F.T.A. Convention in view of the Government aid involved. My right hon. Friend explained why Her Majesty's Government took the contrary view. No representations have been made by other E.F.T.A. countries. The E.F.T.A. Convention precludes discrimination against imports of industrial products from other member States; no undertaking is therefore necessary.