88.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of British exports by value he estimates will be sold in the European Economic Community in 1981–82 on the basis that the United Kingdom did not join the Community, and what percentage in the Commonwealth on the basis that preferences remain unchanged, assuming in both cases that the trend of the last 10 years continues.
I prefer not to make estimates on such uncertain assumptions. In the last 10 years, exports to the E.E.C. rose considerably faster than exports to the Commonwealth. Since each market now accounts for a similar share of our total exports, it seems likely that by 1981–82 exports to the E.E.C. will account for a much greater share than exports to the Commonwealth.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the United Kingdom is not asking for a nil tariff from the European Economic Community for petroleum products, casein, acetylene black, bars and rods of nickel/copper alloy, sulphur, cobalt oxide, calcium carbide, East India kips, heavy jute goods, hand-knotted carpets, coir mats and matting, sports goods, including cricket bats, and tropical hardwoods.
As explained in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 25th November, we are confining our requests on this occasion to cases where the application of the Common External Tariff without mitigation to basic materials might give rise to difficulties for British industry.—[Vol. 807, c. 159–60.]
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why the United Kingdom is asking for a nil tariff on tea from the European Economic Community in the event of the United Kingdom becoming a member of the European Economic Community when the European Economic Community suspended its duty on tea in 1963.
The purpose of this request is to make the suspension of duty permanent.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations in Geneva between the United Kingdom, the European Economic Community and other Powers on the reduction of the common external tariff in so far as it relates to aluminium.
We export relatively little unwrough aluminium to the E.E.C. and thus have no rights under G.A.T.T. rules to participate in these negotiations.
asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in HANSARD as much information as may be readily available giving details to show to what extent British manufacturers of footwear would benefit or suffer if we were to gain admission into the European Economic Community on any present known terms as now operating within the Six.
No. Detailed information is not readily available, but British footwear manufacturers in general see advantages for them in our joining the European Economic Community and welcome the prospect.