§ 21. Mr. Bellengerasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the outcome of his recent meeting with the Dutch Foreign Minister; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingDr. Luns invited me to have an informal exchange of views with him, as one of the series of talks which he is holding with Ministers from various countries following the meeting of the Trade Committee held in Paris in March. These meetings were the result of a personal initiative by Dr. Luns to assist him as Chairman of the Trade Committee.
§ Mr. BellengerWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us a little more? For example, is the President aware of the speech made by the German Chancellor yesterday in answer to a colleague of his who was present, stating that the Common Market Rome Treaty was based mainly on political considerations? Therefore, does the President, after his talk with Dr. Luns, think that it is still possible for some arrangement to be made economically between the Seven and the Six?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe right hon. Gentleman's question was about my discussions with Dr. Luns, which, as I have explained, were of a confidential character. My own conviction remains, that not only is it possible to have an arrangement between the Six and the Seven economically, but it is essential.