HC Deb 24 November 1966 vol 736 cc1577-8
35. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what discussions he has had or intends to have with Common Market Ministers concerned with planning regarding the freedom of individual member countries within the Common Market to plan their own economies.

Mr. M. Stewart

None, Sir, but this is one of the aspects of our membership of the Community which my right hon. Friends will have in mind in their forthcoming discussions with the European Economic Community Governments.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Would the First Secretary of State agree that, in view of the virtual collapse of the Governments own planning policies signified by the interment of the National Plan, it might be better to drop this as one of the Labour Party's conditions for entry to the Common Market altogether?

Mr. Stewart

No. As I said to one of the hon. Member's hon. Friends just now, he has got it all wrong. This is an important condition.