HC Deb 23 May 1957 vol 570 cc1372-3
14. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his discussions with M. Faure, on behalf of the French Government, about proposals for a European Free Trade Area; and, in particular, what conclusions were reached about the entry of goods from French colonial territories into the European Common Market area and the European Free Trade Area, respectively.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Nigel Birch)

My right hon. Friend was glad to welcome M. Faure and had useful discussions on the Common Market and the Free Trade Area.

My right hon. Friend took the opportunity of welcoming the signature of the Treaty of Rome and emphasising the importance which Her Majesty's Government attached to its ratification and to the association in a Free Trade Area of the United Kingdom and other countries of the O.E.E.C. with the European Economic Community. M. Faure for his part emphasised the French Government's support for such association.

There was an exchange of views on a wide range of matters, but it was not the object of the discussions to reach final conclusions on the many complex problems involved.

Mr. Wilson

While it would be wrong to press the right hon. Gentleman on the outcome of these discussions in view of the latest events in Paris, I should like to ask him a question. The very general communiqué issued by the Treasury covered the same points as the right hon. Gentleman has done. Is he aware, however, that apparently inspired statements have appeared in the newspapers suggesting that included in the discussions are subjects relating to the position of French colonial territories in the Free Trade Area and that there was, at least, a provisional agreement that colonial territories should not be included in the Free Trade Area? Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm whether there was such a provisional agreement and will he bear in mind that, if there was, it will be supported from all sides of the House?

Mr. Birch

As the right hon. Gentleman appreciates, it is not customary to give details of private conversations between Ministers. I cannot add to what I have said.