BRITAIN AND E.E.C.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29649, 20 October 1961, Page 3

BRITAIN AND E.E.C.

“Decision Was Forced” (A'Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Oct. 19. Britain had faced many challenges before and New Zealanders should not be too critical of her at present, Mr P. Proctor told the Royal Commonwealth Society in Wellington today. Mr Proctor, a New Zealand businessman who has just returned from a four months and a half trip overseas, spoke on “Britain's current, economic problems.” “We are inclined to take Britain’s prosperity for granted and treat it as a bottomless pit,” said Mr Proctor. But. he said, the Commonwealth P.elatiMts Secretary (Mr Sandy s) had made it clear that it was impossible for Britain to take everything New Zealand produced. Britain’s share of world trade had dropped from 25 per cent, in 1950 to only 16 per cent, last year, Mr Proctor said. “Not only is her share of world trade falling but her trade with the Commonwealth is falling also.” Seeing that she would lose the lucrative German trade forced Britain’s decision to join the Common Market. “She needs to get a massive increase in her exports and there is only one way to do it quickly—by joining the Common Market.” Another blot on Britain’s economic situation was the problem of unofficial strikes Germany had had fewer strikes in 10 years than Britain had had in one year. “The inter-union squabbles are simply dreadful at present.” However. Mr Proctor said. Britain had faced many challenges before. “1 have no doubts about the final outcome.”