N.Z. Trade Pact Under Fire

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31113, 16 July 1966, Page 1

N.Z. Trade Pact Under Fire

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, July 15. The President of the Board of Trade, Mr Douglas Jay, came under fire in the House of Commons yesterday when questioned about Britain’s rec-ently-concluded trade agreement with New Zealand.

Mr Marcus Worsley (Conservative) asked him whether he were satisfied that the provisions of the agreement were consistent with possible British membership of the Common Market. Mr Jay said that he was. Mr Worsley: Do you appreciate that everyone in this House understands that New Zealand needs special trade arrangements were we to join the Common Market? Are you aware that your

Mr Jay said: “This was not ori the agenda of the bilateral talks I had with Mr Marshall. The subject was discussed at a meeting of Commonwealth j trade ministers which Mr Marshall attended.” Mr Worsley asked if this did not prove his point that the British Government was not serious about its intentions. The Government had carried out negotiations with New Zealand without even discussing the vital question of how that country would be affected by Britain joining the Common Market. Mr Jay replied that it proved nothing of the kind. In reply to another Conservative member, Mr Jay said he had not considered it necessary to consult with the Common Market governments when negotiating the New Zealand trade agreement.

failures even to mention the Common Market negotiations in your statement throws great doubt on the genuineness of the Government’s intention to join? Mr Jay: We have repeatedly said in all statements on the Common Market negotiations that we intend to safeguard Commonwealth interests. This agreement shows that we mean to' keep that pledge. Mr Worsley then asked whether Mr Jay had discussed with the New Zealand Minister of Overseas Trade the current soundings being made by the British Government with a view to joining the Common Market.