§ 47. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister whether, in his proposed meeting with General de Gaulle, he will endeavour to secure a co-operative attitude to the negotiations for a European Free Trade Area.
§ The Prime MinisterWe shall have many important matters to discuss, but I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the French Government will have been told of the great importance Her Majesty's Government attach to the speedy conclusion of an agreement on a Free Trade Area.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the Prime Minister aware that, because of the fairly reasonable certainty of the "Little Six" organisation starting next year, a great many arrangements are being made among the different firms in those areas and, unless this is decided fairly soon, it may be that there will be consolidation between the Six which will preclude the proper organisation which might come if the European Free Trade Area could be started earlier?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is, of course, a great regret to us that there has been delay in negotiations waiting on the preparation of a joint decision by the Six. That in its turn has waited on the political situation in France. That is one of the reasons, among others, why I hope in this visit to Paris at the end of this week to clear up this matter, as well as many other matters.