U.K. Manufacturers Prepare For E.E.C.

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29972, 6 November 1962, Page 18

U.K. Manufacturers Prepare For E.E.C.

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 5. United Kingdom manufacturers were preparing for Britain’s entry into the European Economic Community, said Sir William McFadzean, chairman of the Export Council for Europe, today.

British industry had increasingly realised over the last 12 to 18 months that the chances of Britain's joining the European Economic Community were becoming stronger and stronger. They had begun very quickly to prepare for it and, by and large, British industry was extremely efficient. The export council for Europe is an organisation for promoting British exports to Europe.

tough time, but some on the Continent will have a tough time, too.” He was not as pessimistic as some people about the effect on food producers because the tremendous increase in the standard of living in Europe would bring a demand for more and more food.

Britain’s trade with the Continent was so great that there was no alternative to her joining the Common Market if the terms were right, said Sir William McFadzean.

The hard facts today were that Europe bad two trading blocs, the E.E.C. and the European Free Trade Association, and nobody who had lived through two wars could view with equanimity the retention of a divided Europe. Changes were happening in trade, products, and geographical areas, and Britain had to adapt to them to live. The choice was not between Europe and the Commonwealth but whether Britain would be economically strong. If reasonable terms could be agreed on, Britain's action would not only incalculably strengthen herself and the Atlantic alliance but also lead to increasing world trade. Asked how a trade barrier round Europe would increase world trade. Sir William McFadzean replied that a united Europe would fail miserably if it were protectionist and inward-looking. That was a matter in which Britain could play its part if it joined the E.E.C.

Discussing the effect of British membership of the E.E.C. on her own industries. Sir William McFadzean said it was realised that some industries would benefit, some would not be affected and some would be adversely affected, but he did not believe that an accurate statistical forecast of the result was possible.

"I think it is realised that certain industries will have a