§ Ms WalleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to bring about a reduction of catering ware duty of 35 per cent. on goods exported to the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamIn the current GATT Uruguay round market access negotiations, the Government continue to press, through the European Commission which negotiates on behalf of the European Community, for a substantial reduction in the United States 35 per cent. duty on catering ware. Good progress was made in talks in Tokyo on 6 July, at which the EC, United States, Japan and Canada produced an agreed report containing elements of a deal on market access including the objective of reaching 50 per cent. reductions in tariff rates of 15 per cent. and above, subject to agreed exceptions and effective market opening by other participants.