§ 3. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations have been received by Her Majesty's Government from other Commonwealth Governments concerning British membership of the European Economic Community since the Commonwealth Financial Ministers' Conference at Accra; and to what extent these disclose a change of policy on their part.
§ Mr. SandysWe have been in continuous consultation with other Commonwealth Governments about the negotiations in Brussels. Such communications are naturally confidential.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my right hon. Friend aware of frequent reports that the terms under which the United Kingdom may join the Common Market include the ending, or tapering off, of Commonwealth preference and even anti-Commonwealth preference in the case of manufactures? Can he give some assurance that our arrangements in 1473 Europe will strengthen rather than destroy the economic unity of the Commonwealth?
§ Mr. SandysThat, of course, is what we axe negotiating about.
§ Mr. HealeyCan the right hon. Gentleman at least tell the House that he disagrees with the views expressed yesterday in Washington by Mr. Hall-stein, Chairman of the Common Market Commission, that it is possible for the Commonwealth's political and cultural links to survive unimpaired if its present economic relations with this country are ruptured?
§ Mr. SandysI have my work cut out commenting on what is said in this country without commenting on what is said all round the world.