§ 6. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement on the progress made in the discussions for the establishment of a European Free Trade Area both with the seven countries and the members of the Common Market.
Mr. AmoryMinisters of the seven countries of the Stockholm Group will be meeting on 19th and 20th of this month to consider a draft Convention setting up a European Free Trade Association. No discussions are in progress at the present time with the Common Market countries, but it is our hope that the Convention will be a step towards a wider agreement embracing the whole of Western Europe.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWhilst welcoming that announcement, may I ask whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be able to state the broad outlines of the Convention before signing takes place, so that the House may have an idea of what is in it? Further, is the right hon. Gentleman hopeful that the steps he can now take will lead to a closer association with the Common Market countries?
Mr. AmoryAs regards the first part of the supplementary question, at present there is nothing to add to the draft Convention which was published as a White Paper in July, and which is substantially the basis of the proposed Convention. As regards the second part of the supplementary question, we must first get this Free Trade Association established if we can, and then consider 179 the best ways of setting about achieving our aim, which is a comprehensive association of the seventeen countries.