§ 50. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the effect on imports and exports of the fishing industry of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. NobleI have received no such representations but the effect of entry on our trade in fish should be favourable subject to the satisfactory modification of the Common Fisheries Policy for which we have asked in our negotiations.
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§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the information on which he based his estimate that, if Great Britain were to join the European Economic Community, then the Government would expect a growth rate of 4½ per cent. during the transitional period lasting about four years.
§ Mr. John DaviesMy hon. Friend is presumably referring to a report of my recent Press conference in Stockholm at which the subject of the United Kingdom growth rate in the E.E.C. was raised. I indicated on that occasion that it was not possible to predict the precise extent or timing of improvements in our economic growth rate. In reply to a suggestion that we might have in mind a growth rate of 7 per cent., I expressed the view that it might be advisable to think more in terms of 4 to 4½ per cent. being reached by the end of a transitional period.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what benefits he expects to accrue to the paper industry if Great Britain should sign the Treaty of Rome.
§ Mr. NobleI share the industry's view that the United Kingdom's adherence to the Treaty of Rome should create additional opportunities for trade.