HC Deb 25 July 1957 vol 574 cc577-8
22. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the latest state of the negotiations on the establishment of a European Free Trade Area.

Mr. Birch

I would draw the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to the Answer I gave on 17th July to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey).

Sir I. Fraser

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the longer the delay in explaining this matter to the public, the worse will be public opinion's regard for it?

Mr. Birch

Many hon. Members have made speeches in the country on this subject. I have made many myself. We are, however, pressing on with negotiations as rapidly as we can.