§ 38. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the consequences of British entry into the Common Market, with particular reference to an estimate of those countries, apart from the members of the Commonwealth and the European Free Trade Association, with which the United Kingdom would be precluded from entering into independent trading relations.
§ Mr. MaudlingIt would not be feasible to make an assessment of this kind in advance; the answer would depend upon such factors as changes in our own competitive power, the future level of the common tariff, and the commercial policy followed by the enlarged European Economic Community.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs that not a completely evasive reply? If the Government decide to accept the provisions of the Rome Treaty, that would preclude—apart from the E.F.T.A. countries and the Commonwealth countries—the United Kingdom engaging in independent trading relations. Why does not the right hon. Gentleman say that is so?
§ Mr. MaudlingSimply because I thought everyone knew that.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand that the Government propose to enter into negotiations with the Six without having considered the consequences of their actions?
§ Mr. MaudlingAll I was saying was that it is impossible in advance to make an assessment. The countries concerned take about 25 per cent. of our export trade and against any loss there may be in joining the Community we have to put the positive side. We cannot make an assessment in advance of consequences of action of this kind.