§ 7. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the association of the United Kingdom with the European Coal and Steel Community.
§ Mr. TurtonHer Majesty's Government have now ratified the Agreement concerning the relations between the United Kingdom and the European Coal and Steel Community which was signed in London on 21st December, 1954. The Agreement will enter into force when it has also been ratified by the six States members of the Community.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the Minister say why there is this six months' hold-up in this further ratification and whether we are bringing influence to bear on the other States to ratify as soon as possible?
§ Mr. TurtonWe cannot interfere with the procedure in other countries, but the position is that in the Federal Republic of Germany it has been approved by the Bundesrat and has yet to be approved by the Bundestag. I have no information of the progress of ratification in the other five countries.