28. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what is the policy of the Government with regard to Recommendation 382 on the external trade of Israel, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 16th January, 1964; and what action Her Majesty's Government have taken or contemplate taking on it.
§ Mr. HeathThe recommendation is acceptable to Her Majesty's Government. We already admit imports from 655 Israel freely and Britain is Israel's biggest customer.
Mr. Gresham CookeI thank my hon. Friend for making the position of the United Kingdom absolutely clear, but will he see that at the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe it is emphasised that the development of E.E.C. may cause a reduction in Israeli exports to Europe? Further, now that the treaty of association with Israel is not to come about should not we, in Europe, do all that we can to help Israel, just as we help under-developed countries and their exports?
§ Mr. HeathWe would like to see all the other countries carry out this recommendation. As for the E.E.C., I understand that Israel is in negotiation with the Community on these matters at the moment.