HC Deb 25 October 1971 vol 823 cc225-6W
Mr. Prentice

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress being made towards implementing the provisions of section 1 of the Finance Act 1971 relating to generalised preferences for manufactured and semi-manufactured exports from developing countries; and what steps are being taken to harmonise the policy of Her Majesty's Government with that of the European Economic Community in this respect.

Mr. Anthony Grant

An order bringing into effect the United Kingdom's new preferential arrangements from 1st January, 1972, will shortly be laid before the House. We are considering with the European Economic Community arrangements for the assimilation of our scheme to the Community's after our entry.

Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that the Italian Government have been advised by the Commission of the European Economic Community that their plans to provide aids for industry in the autonomous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia are inconsistent with the Treaty of Rome, although unemployment in that country exceeds one million; and if he will make a statement on the implications of this development for Great Britain's regional policy in the event of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community.

Mr. Anthony Grant

I see no reason for concern at the Commission's action. The measures in question were introduced, not by the Italian Government, but by the regional authorities, in an area where unemployment has traditionally been below the Italian national average.

Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what will be the procedure for designating areas of Great Britain as central areas in accordance with the Commission's plans to restrict regional aids within such central areas, in the event of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community.

Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the implications for British regional development policy of the proposals of the Common Market Commission relating to restrictions of regional aid and the nature of regional aids within areas designated as central areas, in the event of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community.

Mr. Anthony Grant

As my hon. Friend knows, the Community's recent decisions apply only to development in the prosperous areas of the Common Market. I welcome the aim of limiting competitive bidding between countries for international investment in such areas not least because of the benefits such a limitation can offer to the less prosperous regions—including our own. The application of the Community's policies to the United Kingdom would be a matter for discussion and joint decision after entry.