HC Deb 07 November 1966 vol 735 cc956-7
16. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussion he has had with the Danish Government on Denmark's proposed entry to the Common Market.

Mr. George Brown

The Danish Prime Minister called on me on 18th October. Our discussion of the international situation, which was of course confidential, naturally covered, amongst other questions, the general problem of European economic integration.

33. Mr. Shin well

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations he and members of his staff, including junior Ministers, have had with foreign Ministers and officials on the subject of British entry into the European Economic Community.

Mr. George Brown

The most recent occasions have been the Western European Union meeting in Paris at the end of September, my visit to Bonn last week and the European Free Trade Association Ministerial meeting in Lisbon at the end of October.

Mr. Shinwell

Is my right hon. Friend in a position to give the House any details of the nature of the discussions and consultations? For example, have representations been made to him by some of his foreign relations—speaking in a political sense—that the conditions on which Britain enters the Common Market must be that we accept the Treaty of Rome and all its implications?

Mr. Brown

Obviously the consultations which we have been having are confidential, and I cannot disclose what went on there. But our position has always been made plain. Certain problems exist, and satisfactory arrangements must be made to meet them if we are to consider the question of entry into the Market. My right hon. Friend said the other day that he will be making a statement fairly soon on the subject, and I suggest that we wait for that.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Is the anti-Common Market lobby led by the right hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell) registered with his Whips as one of the officially approved dissident groups?