TNAG-0301-FCO40-337-Effects-of-tariffs-on-imports-of-cotton-textiles-to-UK-from--1971 — Page 15

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference...

Mr E Laird (Hong Kong Department K246)

separate

copies

Mr A H Morgan (South Asian Department W136)

REBATE OF TARIFF ON COTTON TEXTILES

1.

I have had several discussions with the DTI about how they will react to the refusal of the Treasury Ministers to agree to include a clause in the Finance Bill to cover this rebate. The DTI expect to hold a meeting some time today to finalise their views. I have suggested to them that the alternatives seem to be:-

i To ask the Prime Minister to rule on the subject.

ii

}

To ask the Lord President of the Council either

2.

a. to accept a one clause bill in the present session of Parliament or

b. a one clause bill in the next session of Parliament.

It is highly unlikely that Mr Whitelaw will be able to find time for a one clause bill in the present session and I would say that such a bill in the next session would delay matters too much.

3. I have therefore drafted a submission recommending that the Secretary of State put this matter to the Prime Minister along the lines of a further draft, copies of which I attach and on which I shall be grateful your comments today so that we can move fast once the DTI have decided what attitude they are going to adopt.

15 June 1971

ENC

rjuan

HEJ Hale

Commodities Department 68A/G Tel G 114

CONFIDENTIAL

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