HC Deb 16 October 1973 vol 861 cc58-9W
Mr. Marten

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the report of the competent body of the EEC of the adjustment of short-term support, as mentioned in paragraph 2 of the communiqué of the Summit Conference in October 1972.

Mr. Nott

The report by the Commission on this subject has been placed in the Library. Copies are available to Members from the Vote Office.

Mr. Marten

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is still the intention of the European Community to achieve the second stage of economic and monetary union by 1st January 1974; whether it is still the intention that fixed but adjustable parities constitute an essential basis for the achievement of this union; and whether the Regional Development Fund will be financed from the Community's own resources only from the beginning of the second phase of Economic and Monetary Union, as set out in the communiqué of the Summit Conference in October 1973; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

My right hon. Friend will be discussing the transition to the second stage of economic and monetary union at a regular Council Meeting of EEC Finance Ministers later this month when he will make clear Her Majesty's Government's view that the decisions on the second stage of economic and monetary union should be taken in accordance with the Summit Communiqué of 19th and 20th October 1972 (published as Cmnd. 5109).

Mr. Bishop

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals have been notified by the EEC regarding the phasing out of duty-free allowances and concessions to travellers within the Community; and if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to ensure continuation of such concessions.

Mr. Higgins

The Commission of the EEC has made proposals for the ending, after a transitional period, of duty and tax relief on goods sold to travellers within the Community. These proposals have been considered by the European Parliament and by the Economic and Social Committee and submitted to the Council of Ministers. An explanatory memorandum relating to the proposals has been placed in the Library under reference R/684/73.

The Government consider it premature at this stage to lay down a timetable for the withdrawal of duty and tax free facilities from travellers between EEC countries, which must depend on progress towards harmonisation of the levels of indirect taxation.