HC Deb 14 July 1966 vol 731 c1711
51. Mr. Ridley

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with Commonwealth Governments regarding the effects on Commonwealth trade of Her Majesty's Government's policy of exploring the possibility of joining the Common Market.

Mr. Jay

There was some general discussion of the subject at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers' Conference in London in June.

Mr. Ridley

Has a common position yet been adopted? Have the obstacles from this source been analysed and, if so, will the right hon. Gentleman place a document in the Library showing what the obstacles are?

Mr. Jay

I do not think that I could say more than that we have assured the Commonwealth countries that their interests would be safeguarded and that they would be fully consulted in any such negotiations which took place.