§ 37. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Lord Privy Seal when he intends to consult the European Free Trade Area countries following the breakdown of the Common Market negotiations; and what policy Her Majesty's Government are proposing to the European Free Trade Area.
§ Mr. HeathThe ministerial meeting of the European Free Trade Association Council on 18th and 19th February will be the occasion for a full review of the situation created by the breakdown of the Brussels negotiations.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs it the intention to develop E.F.T.A. as a positive economic force, or is it merely to be used as a counter for the resubmission of the British application to join the E.E.C.?
§ Mr. HeathThe Association exists for the increase and improvement of trade between its members. That it has been doing since its foundation and throughout the course of the negotiations in Brussels. I have no doubt that it will continue to do that in accordance with the provisions of the Stockholm Convention.
§ Mr. KershawIs it the intention at the forthcoming meeting to raise the possibility of agriculture being made part of the Treaty of Stockholm?
§ Mr. HeathIt is up to any of the members of the Association to raise any matters they like. It is well known that agriculture is of particular importance to some of them.