CONFIDENTIAL
which could cause a price war, with disruptive effects in both Britain and the supplying countries. The overall effect then
would be to raise imports, not reduce them as the tariff
intended.
4. The Indians have been particularly active in protesting
against the tariff at every opportunity, but, so far, the known
consternation of the Hong Kong industry has not yet got much beyond the Hong Kong Government's Textile Advisory Board, of
which P. Y. Tang is a member.
5. The present quota arrangements come to an end on
31 December, 1970, and the President of the Board of Trade
will be seeking their extension for a further year. In
addition he has offered discussions on the tariff to the
main Commonwealth suppliers, which includes Hong Kong.
These discussions can be expected during 1970, and it is
then that we can expect the Indian and Hong Kong textile industries, both of whom have bilateral quotas, to press their cases most strongly.
1.8. way.
(I. R. Murray)
30 September, 1969
Hong Kong Department.
Mr. Godden.
for this hole.
A tariff on
with the U.K.
S
understand the Ruister ashad
Hong Kong's Frade in Colton textile is likely, it is thought ( both here and
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.