§ 77. Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what part he has played in the discussions held in London between the European Commission and the High Commissioners of developing Commonwealth countries on the subject of the association of those countries with the European Economic Community; what further discussions are planned; and whether he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. RipponThe Commonwealth Secretariat held a meeting in London on 15th February at which representatives of most of the twenty developing Commonwealth countries to whom the community's offer of association extends exchanged views on the various choices open to them. After the meeting there was an opportunity to talk with senior officials of the European Economic Community Commission who were currently visiting London. Her Majesty's Government were not represented.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General has invited senior officials of Commonwealth Governments, including the United Kingdom, to meet in London in early April for discussions on the alternatives available to 20 developing Commonwealth countries under Protocol 22 of the Act annexed to the Treaty of Accession.