HC Deb 11 July 1975 vol 895 c298W
Mr. Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what proposals he has for renewing the trade treaties with COMECON countries; and, particularly, what are the proposals in respect of a renewal for footwear.

Mr. Shore

Relations with Eastern European countries on trade questions which fall within the common commercial policy of the EEC, including tariffs and quotas, are now a matter for the Community as a whole. Our post-war bilateral agreements with Eastern European countries will have expired by the end of this year and will not be renewed. We can still conclude agreements for economic co-operation, and such agreements have been concluded with a number of these countries.

As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the answer which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Industry gave to a Question from my hon. Friend on 23rd May.