HC Deb 19 May 1960 vol 623 c1483
40. Mr. Wade

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers during their Conference on the subject of the closer relationship of Great Britain and other Commonwealth countries with the countries of the Common Market; and what has been the outcome of such discussions.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to what I said in answer to Questions on 17th May.

Mr. Wade

As the division of Europe into two separate economic blocs is clearly not in the best interests of the Commonwealth and may adversely affect some Commonwealth countries, will the right hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister about the steps to be taken to follow up the discussions of the Commonwealth Conference with a view to the ultimate creation of a larger Common Market to include Britain, Europe and the Commonwealth?

Mr. Butler

I think I can quote the words of the Prime Minister of Australia. Speaking in London on 28th April he said: We want to see the highest possible measure of unity. We do not want to see it at the sacrifice of matters that are important to you and are important to us. Provided we agree on that and do not do away with Commonwealth free entry, which might otherwise be in danger, certainly we shall do our best to get constructive unity in Europe.

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