HC Deb 11 July 1966 vol 731 cc968-70
54. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress he has made in his policy of probing to find the best method of bringing Great Britain into the European Economic Community.

87. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further discussions he plans to have with the French Government regarding the Government's desire to join the Common Market.

Mr. M. Stewart

The Government have been taking every opportunity through international contacts of all kinds to explore the circumstances in which application might be made for entry. We shall continue these contacts with all members of the Community.

Mr. Griffiths

Since the recent statements of the German Government have indicated that the road to Europe may be an easier one than imagined whereas the talks with M. Pompidou suggested the opposite, could the right hon. Gentleman say now whether the British Government intend to begin negotiations for Britain's entry at an early date?

Mr. Stewart

I shall be dealing with this point a little later this afternoon during the debate. It is our intention, and I think it is the country's wish, to enter the Common Market if certain essential interests are safeguarded. I welcome the statement by the German Foreign Minister, because it indicates that country's desire to study the problems that will arise from our accession. That is, I think, what we now have to do.

Mr. Shinwell

My right hon. Friend has referred to the country's wish to enter the Common Market. Will he be good enough to tell us, giving us chapter and verse, when the country gave any Government a firm mandate to enter the Common Market?

Mr. Stewart

My right hon. Friend will notice that I said there is a wish to enter provided certain essential interests can be safeguarded. He will find a statement to that effect in the published statements of the party to which we both belong.

Sir H Legge-Bourke

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the talks with M Pompidou and with any of the other European countries concerned, the Government have in any way declared their intention to invoke Article 237 of the Treaty of Rome which, as he knows, deals specifically with the amendment to the Treaty made necessary by the arrival of a new member to the Community?

Mr. Stewart

In the event not merely of British entry but possibly of the entry of some of our E.F.T.A. partners as well, it is clear that a number of adjustments would be necessary. I think that is well understood on both sides.

Mr. Bellenger

In spite of the disturbed conditions, if I may so call them, behind my right hon. Friend, will he persevere in his efforts to bring Britain into the Common Market, as it is inevitable and is the only salvation for this country?

Mr. Stewart

I do not know that I can accept the phrase about it being the only salvation for this country. I think it must be realised that we must not look upon the entry to the Common Market as a panacea for our own economic problems. We have to deal with them anyhow, but it is, as has been repeatedly declared, the policy of the Government to seek entry to the Common Market, provided that certain essential interests of ours can be safeguarded.

Mr. Ridley

As some of the Government's special conditions are beginning to appear incompatible with membership of the Common Market, will the Foreign Secretary give an assurance that he puts joining the Common Market in front of these special conditions?

Mr. Stewart

I do not accept the assumption behind that question. It seems to me, indeed, that the actual movement of events since those conditions were first stated makes it easier, not more difficult, to comply with them.