TNAG-0301-FCO40-337-Effects-of-tariffs-on-imports-of-cotton-textiles-to-UK-from--1971 — Page 162

have ineffective quotas and no tariff protection against Commonwealth imports until the c.e. t. began to be phased in, probably not until the beginning of 1974. We believed it would be a serious breach of faith to go back on the implementation of a decision which was supported by our 'industry, and had from the outset had the backing of both political parties in this country.

the

In the years between 1 January 1972 and our entry into the Community, UK would, as has already been made clear, make every endeavour to avoid the re-imposition of quotas, unless real problems arose on particular products and the conditions laid down in the Crosland statement were met. We recognised that, following our entry, we might be required to re-introduce quotas on the suppliers restricted by the Six. This was a matter which we had yet to discuss with the Commission; quota levels were very much bound up with the question of free circulation. We understand that Hong Kong's new agreement with the Community covers the three years to the end of 1973; by the time we had gone into Europe, and the Hong Kong agreement had come up for re-negotiation, we might well see a more flexible attitude developing towards imports of Hong Kong cotton textiles.

UNDENESS

7.