PRODUCE TARIFFS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29634, 3 October 1961, Page 11

PRODUCE TARIFFS

“U.K. Wants Abolition”

(N Z.P.A.-Keuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, October 2.

Britain wanted to see the Commonwealth agricultural tariff preference system fade away, the “New York Times” said in an editorial

“The problems that the British Government faces in trying to join the European Economic Community—the Common Market—are beini: made clear to the world,” 11; said.

“The problem is essentially agricultural. ‘“Britain is the greatest importer of agricultural products in the World, the biggest buyer of European and American agricultural produce, and the main market for Commonwealth agricultural exports. Her agricultural tariffs are the lowest in the world. “The Commonwealth countries are essentially exporters of foodstuffs, wool ana similar products. They fear that when or if Britain joins the European Common Market they will lose their privileged position toward Britain. . “The British position, stated in its simplest terms, is that Great Britain is determined to seek membership in the European Comthe long run to see Commonwealth tariff preferences fade away.

“She believes that the member nations of the Commonwealth must sooner or later change their patterns of trade and even their economies so as not to be so dependent on Britain. “At the same time, the British say, they have no intention of forcing the Commonwealth to change suddenly: they will insist that the E.E.C. recognise Commonwealth problems and make the necessary concession: and finally, if Britain has to choose absolutely between Europe or the Commonwealth die will stand by the Commonwealth,” the editorial said.