§ 67. Sir A. Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has assessed the consequences of Great Britain's trade with the developing countries of the decision by the European Economic Community to introduce a generalised preference scheme in favour of the developing countries on 1st July this year.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe generalised preference schemes of the European Economic Community and of other O.E.C.D. countries are intended to increase trade with developing countries, which should benefit the developed countries including the United Kingdom. The agreed aim is to bring all the schemes into effect during this year.
§ 70. Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that the exclusion of Queensland, Australia, from any agreement on sugar negotiated with the European Economic Community would have serious consequences for the world free market price for sugar; and if he will seek in the European Economic Community negotiations to secure separate arrangements.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantMy right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member on 22nd April that we have put proposals to the Community on the treatment of Australian sugar during the transitional period. These proposals take account of the world market situation and other factors appropriate to this particular case.—[Vol. 815, c.433.]
§ Mr. Cockeramasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the value of textile goods imported into the United Kingdom from the present Common Market countries in the last two years for which figures are available; 11W and what increase is anticipated if Great Britain joins the Common Market.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantFigures are published in Volume II of the Annual Statement of Trade for 1969 and in the December, 1970, issue of Overseas Trade Statistics. I should prefer not to venture a forecast of the effect of joining the Common Market on imports of textile goods.