§ 14. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations which Commonwealth countries have indicated their encouragement of the entrance of the United Kingdom into the Common Market.
§ Mr. BraineI assume the hon. Member is referring to communications received from Commonwealth Governments. I would refer him to the first part of the reply that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a Question by the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 1st June.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the communications to which he refers set out specifically which countries have indicated their encouragement positively rather than those which have indicated discouragement?
§ Mr. BraineI do not agree. I think there is a general understanding of and sympathy for our position throughout the Commonwealth. Perhaps I should add to what has been said on this, that, as the House is aware, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Ministers of Aviation and Labour are at this moment visiting between them all the Commonwealth capitals with a view to discussing with Commonwealth Governments the problems of the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. MarquandIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are the gravest possible misgivings about this in New Zealand? How soon are we likely to receive a report as a result of the right hon. Gentleman's discussions in New Zealand?
§ Mr. BraineWhether there are misgivings or not, the whole purpose of my right hon. Friend's visit is to have consultations with New Zealand's leaders. A statement must await his return.
§ Mr. ShinwellWould it not be interesting if the hon. Gentleman told us what he thinks about it? Does he realise that if some people—
§ Mr. SpeakerIt might be interesting, but it would be wholly out of order.
§ Mr. ShinwellDo hon. Members opposite not think?