§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Trade how powers in relation to trading prospects of the footwear industry are divided between himself and the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Parkinson[pursuant to his reply, 4 July 1980, c. 740]: Article 113 of the 10W Treaty of Rome governs the common commercial policy of the European Community. By virtue of this article, the Community has adopted certain regulations governing imports which mean, in effect, that emergency safeguard measures may be maintained only with the agreement of the Commission and our Community partners. The Commission is also responsible for all negotiations with third countries; consequently, it undertakes all formal discussions on removal of barriers in other countries. However, the United Kingdom Government take every opportunity themselves of pressing other Governments to remove such barriers.