§ Q7. Mr. Woodburnasked the Prime Minister if he will seek a meeting with President de Gaulle either before or after the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference to discuss the subject of Great Britain and the Common Market.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I can see no practical value in such a meeting on this subject at this stage.
§ Mr. WoodburnAs the Prime Minister is meeting the Commonwealth Prime Ministers, and as this subject of becoming part of Europe has played a very important part in the Commonwealth's consideration, will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to give guidance to the Commonwealth on the future policy of this country in regard to entry into the European Economic Community?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that if I have to give any guidance—I do not know whether this will be necessary—it will be the same as I have given the House. We cannot tell whether the circumstances will arise again in future. If they did, Parliament would have to decide how to deal with the situation.
Mr. H. WilsonWould the Prime Minister at any rate make clear to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers on this occasion that he no longer regards as acceptable the terms which the then Lord Privy Seal negotiated in 1962?
§ The Prime MinisterIf these negotiations were to start again, it would be our concern to ensure that the Commonwealth interest was satisfied.
§ Mr. BlytonIs the Prime Minister aware that we are quite pleased with the Answer that he gave—that he does not want to meet President de Gaulle? Would he further state that he will make this an issue at the next election so that we know where the Conservative Party stands if, unfortunately, it is returned to power?
§ The Prime MinisterI must make it clear that I did not say that I did not want to meet General de Gaulle. I always enjoy meeting him very much. I said that there was no point in meeting him on this subject at this time.