HC Deb 15 May 1972 vol 837 cc10-2W
60. Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the effect on the Lancashire textile industry that there would be of withdrawing quantitative restrictions on cotton yarn imports on United Kingdom's accession to the European Economic Community, if he will in his current negotiations seek to retain quotas and reduce the present levels; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Noble

Our discussions with the Community on textile policy after accession are at an early stage and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware that the British Scrap Federation, representing scrap metal merchants, has expressed concern at the danger to the British scrap industry on the control and loss of exports on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; and whether he will arrange for discussions with representatives of the federation to ensure that no arrangements are entered into with the European Economic Community to restrict British exports in this commodity.

Mr. Tom Boardman

I am considering these and other representations; and I am meeting today with representatives of the British Scrap Federation.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how long he expects it will take for the European Commission to evolve a common commercial policy for textiles.

Mr. Anthony Grant

At this stage I cannot say how long it may take; the issues are complex and there are a large number of interests involved.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the steps recently taken by his department to make certain that the abolition of quotas after entry to the European Economic Community will not disrupt the United Kingdom cotton textile industry.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The only quotas which we have an obligation to end are those covering cotton yarns; the Community has already liberalised imports of these products. Article 135 of the Accession Treaty provides that the Commission may authorise protective measures in cases of serious and persistent difficulty in any area or sector of the economy.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give details of the discussions which he has begun with the European Commission about a common community commercial policy for textiles.

Mr. Anthony Grant

No. It is not the Government's policy to publish details of confidential discussions with the Commission.