depends
a great extent on securing the co-operation of the major trading
nations. This is especially the case, at this point in time, with our
Community partners where the current practices of the old Six are
cumbersome and out of keeping with the modern concept.
A number of samll, but nonethelss worthwhile, improvements have already
been secured and others are expected to be introduced early in 1974.
On a wider front, we are pressing hard for a more radical view. Her e
again the signs are encouraging, although all the changes we want will
not be brought about overnight. But it was particularly encouraging
that at a meeting in Brussels with EEC Commissioner Gundelach a
delegation from SITPRO, led by Lord Thorneycroft, obtained clear
undertakings that there would be a substantial effort on the part of the
Community to simplify and rationalise its trade procedures.
A meeting
will be held shortly between Mr. Gundelach and the trade facilitation
organisations of the Nine at which it is expected that a programme
of immediate action will be agreed.
2
(Lord Limerick, 5 December 1973),