9. While we fully support the concept that the' scheme should provide enhanced trading opportunities for the least developed of the developing countries we do not believe this end should be sought by actions which may be harmful to the trading interests of more competitive developing countries and which may, in addition, harm the trading. interests of Hong Kong to the benefit of certain other more competitive developing countries. We consider that the existing 'butoir' arrangements already ensure that these more competitive developing countries, including Hong Kong, do not obtain a disproportionate share of the benefits of the Scheme.
10. In support of this contention we invite attention to the fact that Hong Kong reached the butoir for 24 categories in 1972 and for 22 categories in 1973. Of these, 21 categories are common to both years, and of the 21, 17 were sensitive categories. In no category in which Hong Kong reached the butoir, however, was the tariff quota as a whole:
filled. It is clear, therefore, that Hong Kong did not prevent other beneficiaries from securing benefits and it is obvious that the present butoir system is achieving its
purpose.
11.
Any modification to the Community's Scheme to reduce ·
the opportunities for the more competitive beneficiaries
would, as far as Hong Kong is concerned:
(a) reduce the compensation secured for Hong Kong
in the accession negotiations:
3.