HC Deb 20 March 1974 vol 870 cc128-30W
Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) what is the average level of the United Kingdom tariff on industrial goods from non-EEC countries, using the same basis of calculation as that used in Command Paper No. 4715; and what is the effect of EEC membership on that figure;

(2) if he will give the approximate current average levels of tariff of the EEC and the United Kingdom on industrial goods, using the same basis of calculation as that used in the White Paper, Command Paper No. 4715, "The United Kingdom and the European Community," paragraph 38, when the figures were given as EEC 8½ per cent. and the United Kingdom 10 per cent.

Mr. Deakins

With few exceptions, the United Kingdom rates of duty on imports from non-EEC countries, other than those having preferential arrangements with the Community, have now moved two-fifths of the way from their 1972 level to that of the common customs tariff. On the basis of the estimates in the White Paper, the present average level of the tariffs on industrial goods is therefore about 9.4 per cent. in the United Kingdom compared with 8½ per cent. in the original Community.

Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what estimate he can give of the effect on United Kingdom exports to other EEC countries of the reduction in industrial tariffs that took place on 1st April 1973 and 1st January 1974 in relation to other factors and the growth in world trade.

Mr. Deakins

It is too early to attempt to estimate the influence of the tariff changes in isolation since a number of other factors have affected the demand for United Kingdom exports.

Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what are the current levels of EEC tariffs against United Kingdom exports of commercial vehicles, plastics, tractors and diesel engines compared with the figures given in Command Paper No. 4715; and what is the present EEC tariff on those products from non-member States.

Mr. Shore

The present levels of EEC tariffs—of the original members—against United Kingdom exports are at three-fifths of the figures given in the Command Paper; on products from third countries they remain as in that paper.