European Economic Community Social Fund

HC Deb 14 May 1962 vol 659 cc927-8

45. Mr. Chataway

asked the Minister of Labour what expansion of Government re-training and resettlement schemes would be required in order to qualify for maximum grants for the European Economic Community Social Fund under Articles 123 to 127 of the Rome Treaty in the event of Britain's accession to the European Economic Community.

Mr. Hare

The payment of grants from the Fund depends on satisfaction of several conditions and its administration is the responsibility of the Commission. It is impracticable to forecast what grants might be payable to us if we join the Community.

Mr. Chataway

Does not my right hon. Friend feel that his Department should even now be considering the ways in which this may work, so that if we do join we can take as full advantage of the Social Fund as, for example, Germany?

Mr. Hare

I certainly do not disagree with what my right hon. Friend has said.

Mr. M. Foot

Does not the Minister feel that in view of his experience of the past week it would be a very good idea if he put Mr. Frank Cousins in full charge of all the negotiations about the Common Market?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Member is very modest; I should have thought that he would put himself in this position.