§ Mr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what is his policy on footwear imports from the EEC in the period 1st April 1973 until 1st January 1976;
(2) what discussions he has had with British footwear manufacturers in determining the levels of tariff reduction on footwear delivered to EEC countries between 1st April 1973 and 1st January 1976.
§ Sir G. HoweThe Government's policy on imports of footwear from EEC countries during the transitional period is the same as the policy on imports of other industrial goods from the Community. The tariffs on such goods between the original and the new member States will be progressively eliminated in accordance with the timetable laid down in the Treaty of Accession, whereby the level of the tariffs at 1st January 197292W will be reduced in five equal stages on 1st April 1973, 1st January 1974, 1st January 1975, 1st January 1976 and 1st July 1977. This timetable was not the subject of discussions with individual industries, but I am sure the British footwear manufacturers will take advantage of the opportunities created by the elimination of tariffs.