HC Deb 08 November 1982 vol 31 c18W
17. Mr. McNally

asked the Minister for Trade if he will take initiatives with his European Economic Community colleagues to promote discussions with the United States of America aimed at avoiding the drift towards protectionism in trade between the Community and the United States of America.

Mr. Peter Rees

There are and have been continuing exchanges between Ministers of the European Community, including the United Kingdom and members of the European Commission, with members of the United States Administration about the present trade situation. In particular, I and other European community Ministers will hope to meet our United States counterparts at the GATT Ministerial meeting in Geneva later this month. A main purpose of this meeting will be to reinforce the open trading system.

26. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on trade relationships with the United States of America.

Mr. Peter Rees

It is Her Majesty's Government's policy that the trade relationships of the United Kingdom and the other countries of the European Community with the United States of America should be conducted on the basis of an open trading system reinforced by the obligations assumed under the GATT.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Minister for Trade whether he will report on the recent visit made to the United States of America by the Under-Secretary of State from his Department, in particular as to his assessment of the effects of airline deregulation.

Mr. Sproat

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.