HC Deb 03 April 1958 vol 585 cc1368-9
30. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will make a statement on the request he has received from the French Government to have a share in Commonwealth markets without giving anything in return before being prepared to co-operate with the proposed European Free Trade Area; and, as French objections are likely to destroy this proposal, what proposals he has prepared for anticipating this contingency; and

(2) what are the protectionist conditions which France is demanding in the European Free Trade Area proposals; what his policy is in relation to those demands; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maudling

As I told the House in the debate on Friday, 28th March, we have received no French proposals. I understand that the Six Treaty of Rome countries are considering certain French suggestions and as a result it is expected that a paper will be available before the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on 2nd May.

Mr. Osborne

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by saying that he has received no proposals, but he has received suggestions? What is the difference between a suggestion and a proposal? May I ask whether he will ensure that the French are not allowed to destroy this proposal as they destroyed E.D.C. as it was first proposed, and will he ensure, above all things, that the agricultural interests of this country are not sacrificed to the French proposals in the long run?

Mr. Maudling

Any question on the difference between proposals and suggestions should be addressed to one of the Law Officers. The difference I was drawing was between proposals put to the United Kingdom—and there have been no such proposals—and suggestions made by the French Government to their colleagues in the Treaty of Rome, of which, of course. I am unaware.

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