TNAG-0762-FCO40-966-Effect-of-GATT-Multi-Fibre-Arrangement-(MFA)-on-Hong-Kong-ex-1978 — Page 16

f.

the industrial offers, are at present being

, evaluated.

Similarly offers have been made on industrial non

tariff barriers not being considered in the context of the discussions described in sub paragraph d above. These include quantitative restrictions and customs questions other than those concerning

valuation.

2. The earlier Department of Trade note explained (paragraph 1 c.) that there had so far been no discussion within the Community about which industrial tariffs should be in part or in whole excepted from the agreed tariff cuts. This formally remains true. The Commission intention is to consult member states on the subject once their own evaluation of the US and Japanese offers has been completed; this will indicate what scope there will be for withdrawals. There have how-

ever been some informal contacts between the Commission and member

states on this question and also between the Commission and some of the European industries affected. We imagine that those British industries who have a distinct point of view - whether an attacking

one in relation to the trade barriers of others or a defensive one in

relation to the Community's own trade barriers will have been making their views known both to the Commission through any European trade association that may exist and to the government through normal con- tact with their sponsoring department and the Department of Trade. If however there is likely to be any doubt on this industries should let their sponsoring division know quickly. The Department of Trade stand ready in association of course with the normal sponsoring departments to have meetings with any industries who feel they may have a genuine point of view which ray not already have been fully weighed. The Department of Trade work on these matters in close liaison with the international side of the Ministry of Agriculture,

Fisheries and Food who have the central role in relation to the

determination of the UK interest in respect of this sector of the negotiations; they too would we understand, in appropriate cases, be ready to have meetings with trade associations.

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3. We would expect that there will be the chance for further con- sultation with industry before the Community reaches its first view on the scope for withdrawals but there may be little time at that