TNAG-0250-FCO40-286-Discussions-on-EEC-negotiations-between-officials-of-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 87

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

NIDUVIŲ SIHL NI NELLIUM 10 OJ BNIMLON

i ent

because

s not the equivalent of decalage

process of adjustment would not

begin until a tariff was imposed.

The need

for decalage was emphasised by the concentration

of the trade with the U.K. on particular firms as a result of

due to the special nature of the market, the

origin requirements for Commonwealth preference

and the long period of quota control. All the

adjustment would fall on this sector, which in

sector

all employed some 62,000 people, of which 138

firms employing 12,000 people sold 70% or more

of their production in the U.K. market.

system

17. In reply to Er. Carey's contention that, ufuror in post-1972 sysłu Hong Kong would acquire a larger share of the V.K.

market, Sir J. Cowperthwaite doubted whether

Hong Kong would be permitted further growth

in garments (even if that were possible given

the share of the market she already enjoyed).

18.

Mr. Carey denied that the decision was

intended to reinforce protection. H. M.G.

expected that one consequence would be that

U. a. imports from developing countries would

white

rise,thurt that those from Commonwealth developed countries (i.e. Canada) would fall. Both the

previous and the present governments had taken

the view that duty free imports as such were a

major element in the difficulties experienced

by Lancashire, despite quantitative protection

over the last twelve years. He denied that the

original intention was that quotas should

eventually be re-imposed, although he admitted

that, on joining the E.E.C., the U.K. would have

10 - CONFIDENT FAL

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