§ 41. Mr. Wyattasked the Prime Minister what was the nature of his discussions with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers on the question of the British position in relation to the Common Market.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I would refer the hon. Member to what my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said in answer to Questions on 17th and 19th May.
§ Mr. WyattCan we take it that what was always the bogus argument that the Commonwealth did not want us to join in with Europe is now discarded, and that the Prime Minister will now address his energies to seeing that Britain enters the Common Market which even industrialists supporting his own party regard as essential if we are not to suffer great economic hardship in the future?
§ The Prime MinisterWith regard to the particular question, I should prefer not to embroider upon the agreed communiqué issued, or to answer for the other participants. I only draw the hon. Member's attention to paragraph 8, which sets out the views of all the Prime Ministers.
§ Mr. GaitskellAs I understand it, Her Majesty's Government are at 211 present engaged, together with the other members of the Seven, in negotiations with the Six. May we take it that all the Commonwealth countries are being kept very closely in touch with these negotiations, since obviously they may be affected by their outcome?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. That was the purpose of the very wide discussions and almost daily negotiations through the ordinary channels and representatives.