§ Q1. Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Prime Minister if he will appoint an additional Minister of State at the Foreign Office.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)No, Sir.
§ Mr. GriffithsThe Prime Minister will be aware that the E.F.T.A. nations want us to join the Common Market, that the Commonwealth and farming difficulties can be overcome, and that there is a large majority in the House of Commons in favour of this country's joining Europe. Will he therefore appoint a Minister Plenipotentiary with specific instructions to seek British entry into the Common Market on the basis of the Treaty of Rome as soon as possible?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Gentleman is referring purely to an appointment, which is what the Question is about, as he will know, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has a very clear commission in this field and he is responsible on the political side for all the probings, inquiries and discussions with all the countries concerned about the terms on which our entry to the Common Market could be made.