§ 9. Mr. Henigasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations which Commonwealth countries have since January, 1963, notified Her Majesty's Government of their intention to negotiate trade or association agreements with the European Economic Community.
§ Mrs. HartSince January, 1963, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have entered into negotiations with the European Economic Community for association agreements.
§ Mr. HenigCould my hon. Friend tell me what undertaking those countries have given to keep the United Kingdom fully informed of the progress of these negotiations and to consult with Her Majesty's Government before signing any agreements with the E.E.C.?
§ Mrs. HartI am sure my hon. Friend will understand that I cannot disclose information which reaches us confidentially from other Commonwealth Governments, but I can assure him that there is a great deal of discussion and we are kept fully informed.
§ 10. Mr. Henigasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards Article 3 and Protocol 2 of the Nigeria-European Economic Community Association agreement, signed on Saturday, 16th July, in view of the fact that these clauses grant the European Economic Community trading concessions denied to this country.
§ Mrs. HartThe British Government have frequently stated that, in their view, developed countries which grant new preferential treatment to developing countries should not demand concessions in return from the latter. Nevertheless, the Agreement provides that Nigeria shall grant certain preferences to the European Economic Community. The British Government recognise however, that the Community offers a large market for some Nigeria products.
§ Mr. HenigAs Nigeria grants no Imperial Preference at all to this country, may I ask whether Her Majesty's Government will now ask Nigeria to give us at least most-favoured-nation treatment in view of the fact that the NigeriaE.E.C. Association agreement is most unlikely to be accepted as a Customs union or free trade area within Article 24 of the G.A.T.T.?
§ Mrs. HartThat would require consideration at meetings of the G.A.T.T. I cannot say at this stage whether we would think it right to take any action on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.