HC Deb 25 November 1970 vol 807 cc159-60W
Mr. Moyle

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) why the United Kingdom is not asking for a nil tariff on aluminium imports into the United Kingdom in the event of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community.

(2) why the United Kingdom is asking for nil tariffs on plywood, phosphorus and aluminium oxide in the event of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community when it was not thought necessary to ask for this in 1962.

Mr. Noble

We are seeking appropriate solutions within the framework of existing Community practice to the difficulties which might arise for British industry if the Common External Tariff were applied without mitigation to certain basic materials, of which most of our requirements currently bear no import duty. Our industrial interests have changed in various ways since 1962.