TNAG-0302-FCO40-338-Effects-of-tariffs-on-imports-of-cotton-textiles-to-UK-from--1971 — Page 24

particular, we do not feel confident that

in a situation subject to very rapid change, we could take action against disruption

quickly enough on a product-by-product

basis.

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8 We have, therefore, decided to retain

in 1972 the present system of quantitative

restrictions in addition to the new tariff.

Governments of the exporting countries

concerned have been informed of this. We

have asked those which at present administer

the restrictions at the export end to continue

to do so, but we have made it clear that,

imports if they do not feel able to do this, we shall

The underme

I the yea!

allocate import licences ourselves. All

imports of cotton textiles from countries

currently under quantitative restrictions

will require an import licence in 1972.

9 We believe that in taking this action

we are providing the market with safeguards

against disruption which will benefit the UK

industry and traditional overseas suppliers

alike. We recognise that the retention of

general restraints will come, nevertheless,

as a great disappointment to many of our

overseas trade partners. I hope they will

recognise that the level of these restraints Las

have permitted, and will continue to permit,

imports far higher than those into any other

major industrial country;

and that by

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