HC Deb 02 March 1961 vol 635 cc1750-2
46. Mr. Roy Jenkins

asked the Prime Minister whether, as a result of his discussions with Dr. Adenauer, he proposes to announce Great Britain's readiness to join the European Common Market, subject to satisfactory negotiation of a number of detailed points.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. But Her Majesty's Government have repeatedly emphasised that we are resolved to find a solution to the economic split in Europe. We think that progress is being made through the bilateral talks we have been conducting with the Germans, Italians and the French. We hope that these useful exchanges of views may lead in time to formal negotiations. But, of course, there are many interests both here and abroad to be reconciled.

Mr. Jenkins

Is not it clear that the latest moves of the Lord Privy Seal in his Paris proposals, while they might have been useful if made two years ago, will not now solve the problem of our relations with the Six? Would not it be better to change our strategy and announce our readiness to become full participants and then negotiate in the much more favourable climate which would be created?

The Prime Minister

These are matters of approach. As I have said before, I am anxious not to have formal negotiations which fail. That would be a great blow to Europe. I think that these discussions of an informal character, as a prelude to formal negotiations, are wise.

Mr. Grimond

As the Lord Privy Seal described his speech as showing a fundamental change of principle in the Government's attitude, and as it recognised that we now accept a harmonious tariff, and went on to say that no arrangements would be satisfactory to us which did not involve political as well as economic collusion with the Six, does not it mean that the Government are to make some approach to the Six with a view to being associated with them not only economically but politically?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman must make his own interpretation of what the Lord Privy Seal said, though I agree that what he has said is roughly right. I may be wrong, but I have a little experience in these things, and I am still very anxious that we should not have formal negotiations which break down. But, whatever may be said about accepting this principle or that, it is obvious that there are a great number of difficulties to be overcome and it is wiser to see how far we can get with this before embarking on any formal negotiations.

Mr. Jay

Will the Prime Minister bear in mind the importance to the United Kingdom of preserving tariff-free entry of food and raw material imports from the Commonwealth to this country?

The Prime Minister

That is one of the reasons why we cannot just simply join without discussion of conditions.

Mr. G. Brown

When the Prime Minister says that we should not have formal negotiation which breaks down, does he mean that we should keep the field open for what Sir Roy Welensky understands by "doing a Macmillan"?

The Prime Minister

The right hon. Member is making a great bid for the leadership, but I do not think that will get him very far.