§ 22. Mr. Shinwellasked the Lord Privy Seal which Commonwealth countries have been consulted on the recent negotiations he has had with members of the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. HeathThere have been no recent negotiations with members of the European Economic Community other than 21 those in connection with the European Economic Community's proposal for the suspension of tariffs on tea and tropical hardwoods. The fullest contact has been maintained with those Commonwealth countries concerned at all stages of these negotiations.
§ Mr. ShinwellHaving failed to persuade certain elements in the E.E.C. to accept the United Kingdom as a member of the Community, is the right hon. Gentleman now trying to get in by the back door? As the right hon. Gentleman is obviously a very intelligent person, though it is not always apparent, why does he not abandon this project for the time being?
§ Mr. HeathI was prevented by a certain element, and there is no question of going in by the back door. These arrangements were first negotiated in Brussels and, at the request of Commonwealth countries, we had to return to the Community with the request that the tariffs on tea—which particularly affects India, Pakistan and Ceylon—and hardwoods—which affect, particularly, Nigeria and Tanganyika—should be removed. Therefore, it was obviously right that we should negotiate with the Community to that effect, and I am glad that the negotiation has been successful.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn that case, would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to include in the Official Report the conclusions reached as a result of the contacts?