§ Q6. Mr. Hefferasked the Prime Minister what steps the British Government are taking to strengthen the European Free Trade Association; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe European Free Trade Association Ministerial Council has established a programme of work to this end which is being carried out through various specialist committees and working parties.
§ Mr. HefferWould my right hon. Friend not agree that it would be far better to strengthen E.F.T.A. at this stage rather than making any unilateral move to join E.E.C.? Would it not be acceptable that a strengthened E.F.T.A. could then negotiate with E.E.C. towards wider European unity?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that either the present Government or the previous one felt that a strengthened E.F.T.A. was incompatible with improving our relations with E.E.C. and establishing the conditions on which we could join E.E.C. It ought to be helpful towards that end rather than the opposite. So far as discussions between E.F.T.A. and E.E.C. are concerned, that was dealt with at the Vienna Conference last year, and we hope that conditions will soon be such in E.E.C. that these discussions can take place.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsWhether one thinks of E.F.T.A. or E.E.C., is it not a fact that the Government's recent handling of European affairs has worsened our relations with both?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, quite the contrary. Our relations within E.F.T.A., which is the subject of the Question, are extremely good and constructive at the moment. The same is true about our relations with E.E.C. Before we can make progress towards becoming involved, they have some problems which they want to sort out for themselves.