HC Deb 12 December 1966 vol 738 cc15-6
21. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Labour what information he intends to publish on the implication of the United Kingdom's joining the European Economic Community.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 6th December, 1966. If the hon. Member has any specific points in mind, perhaps he will get in touch with me.—[Vol. 737, c. 1148–51.]

Mr. Hamilton

Is my hon. Friend aware that that reply from the Prime Minister was very unsatisfactory and gave us no assistance whatever? Why are Government Departments so reluctant to spell out the implications for Britain of joining the E.E.C.? Is my hon. Friend aware, for instance, that the implications of the acceptance of the principle of equal pay and the migration of labour as between one country and another are exceedingly important matters that should be fully and frankly displayed by Government Departments, and by hers in particular?

Mrs. Williams

They are indeed, Sir. I point out to my hon. Friend that the Government have already made it clear that they support the principle of equal pay and are engaged in discussions on implementing that principle. On my hon. Friend's second point, I repeat my offer that if he will specify in what aspects of migration he is interested we shall look at them.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not very important to counter the intensive propaganda indulged in, particularly by some newspapers—the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mirror and the Sun—and explain to the workers of this country the implications of the free movement of labour? Surely that is a responsibility on the Government before they are pitchforked and pushed into the Common Market?

Mrs. Williams

Our investigations so far show that it is not very likely that there will be a great influx of workers into this country, or a very serious loss of workers from this country, as a consequence of entry into the Common Market. My right hon. Friend will appreciate that it is extremely difficult to give a precise answer when the terms of the negotiations are not themselves clear.

Mr. Ridley

Would the hon. Lady not agree that Common Market policy for mobility of labour makes the Government's policy look absolutely pathetic in comparison?