HC Deb 24 March 1969 vol 780 cc222-3W
Mr. James Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement regarding the progress of the Four-Power Talks in Geneva upon imports of frozen fish fillets into the United Kingdom; and what steps he is now taking to reach agreement with the Scandinavian members of the European Free Trade Association in this dispute

Mr. Dell

Following a decision of E.F.T.A. Ministers in November 1968, officials of the U.K. and the three Scandinavian countries concerned met in Geneva on 18th and 19th March under the chairmanship of the Secretary-General of E.F.T.A. It was concluded, in the absence of any change in the position of the various countries, that no agreement could be reached on early removal of the tariff. Officials had a preliminary and useful exchange of views on the nature of the arrangements to apply from 1st January, 1970; further talks are to be arranged, possibly in May.