§ 39. Mr. Bodyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he 4W expects tariff preferences enjoyed by United Kingdom exports in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India to be reduced or withdrawn.
§ Sir G. HoweAfter the termination of our Trade Agreements with these countries on 31st January next, the Governments concerned will be free to reduce or eliminate our preferences. With the exception of the change affecting some goods covered by special tariff procedures in Australia which takes effect on 1st February, I am not yet in a position to indicate the timing of any likely changes.
§ Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the position with regard to the trade agreements with certain Commonwealth preference area countries, in view of Great Britain's accession to the European Community.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNotice of termination has been given so that our commitments under our Trade Agreements with Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa, will cease by 1st February when we begin to implement the Common Agricultural Policy. I have written separately to the Minister concerned in each of these countries expressing our consciousness of the continuing need to work for the highest possible level of world trade and of trade with these countries individually and our intention to continue to do our best to promote solutions to any trading problems which might be encountered whether these arise under a bilateral or multilateral framework. I am arranging for copies of these letters to be placed in the Library. The trade agreement with Rhodesia is in suspense and will be regarded as terminated on the same date as the others.