HC Deb 03 May 1965 vol 711 cc908-10
21. Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what Departmental arrangements he has made to ensure the continuous and progressive examination of the possibilities of closer relations with the European Economic Community.

Mr. M. Stewart

The Foreign Office, in collaboration with the other Departments concerned, has this subject under constant review. I am satisfied that the present arrangements are entirely adequate.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Has any study been undertaken, or is such a study in course of being undertaken, in regard to the constitutional and legal implications which would arise from adherence by this country to the European Economic Community, and if so, is there any intention of publishing it?

Mr. Stewart

There is no intention of publication, but this, of course, is one of the subjects which has to be, and is, studied.

Mr. Shinwell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, although there can be no objection raised to an examination of the possibilities of further co-operation with the countries of the Six on economic matters or in a functional context, there can be no question of association with the Six on the basis of the Treaty of Rome without regard to the conditions laid down by the Labour Party, which still remain the policy of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, I have made clear in public statements that that is so, but my right hon. Friend will agree that, while the principles of those conditions remain, the kind of negotiations which would be needed to meet them may vary as time goes on and the impact of certain economic facts changes.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Is the Foreign Secretary convinced about one of the five conditions, that which insisted that the Government should have the right to determine the internal planning of this country's economy? As the Government are about to embark on the nationalisa- tion of steel, would not this inhibit them from entering the European Economic Community?

Mr. Stewart

It certainly would not. The noble Lady and her hon. Friends must reserve her remarks on that subject to a more suitable occasion.