§ 44. Mr. Tom Boardmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the European Free Trade Association Governments on proposals to grant duty-free entry for footwear from developing countries.
§ 45. Sir G. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will discuss with the United States of America and Japanese Governments the problem of duty-free entry of footwear, so that there will be a common policy between each of these two countries and Great Britain.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will discuss with the United States and Japanese Governments the problem of duty-free entry of footwear, with a view to reaching a common policy between each of these two countries and Great Britain.
§ Mr. NobleThere have been full discussions in the O.E.C.D. about the proposed schemes of generalised preferences for developing countries. Footwear is included in the offers of the United Kingdom and some other countries, subject to various arrangements to provide safeguards under certain conditions for domestic industry.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent he estimates, on any possible con- 6W ditions of Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, the duty-free entry of footwear from the countries of the Six will affect the British footwear industry in this country.
§ Mr. RidleyIt is not possible to make exact estimates but the removal of tariff barriers will stimulate trade in both directions and offer the British industry opportunities which it would welcome.