Hong Kong. The present practice in the Cotton Textile Committee
as in other GATT bodies is that the expression of discordant
views is avoided and matters have been so arranged thatm when
delegations have included both UK and Hong Kong representatives,
policy statements have been made by the UK spokesman and Hong
Kong representatives have put forward Hong Kong's detailed views
within H.M.G.'s overall policy.
There are certain differences in practice with regard to
Hong Kong's representation in the GATT Cotton Textiles Committee.
Under the Long Term Agreement on Cotton Textiles, which was
accepted by HM.G. on behalf of the UK and on behalf of Hong
Kong, Hong Kong negotiates with third countries without reference
to H.M.G. On such matters, Hong Kong communicates direct with
the GATT Secretariat, who issue documents which make reference
to Hong Kong rather than to the UK. In practice, it has come
to be recognised that the representatives of Hong Kong within the
UK Delegation to the CTC may emphasise the special position and
interests of Hong Kong as an exporter of cotton textiles, a
role which is not shared with the UK.
BEC REFRESCATATION IN GATT
5.
At most GATT committees and working parties, the member
countries of the LHC, whilst represented by National Delegations,
speak through a common spokesman who is a Commission Official.
Nevertheless, the individual member countries remain contracting
parties to the GATT, and as such individually responsible for
their own rights and obligations under the GATT. There is no
sign that this position will change. At present, a wide range
of GATT matters remain outside the community arbit, although in
various respects this position is likely to change in the future
Z
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