HC Deb 09 February 1967 vol 740 cc1811-2
11. Mr. Marten

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards an Atlantic Free Trade Area.

Mr. M. Stewart

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said in the debate on the European Economic Community on 16th November, 1966.—[Vol. 736, c. 448.]

Mr. Marten

Does the First Secretary of State agree that the Atlantic Free Trade area proposal is an alternative way of organising Britain's future? Are the Government studying it and giving it consideration?

Mr. Stewart

The Government, before embarking upon their present step, considered all relevant considerations.

Mr. Jennings

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is the soundest alternative to entry into the Common Market? Does not he agree also that probings of a similar nature to those which are now taking place would be good policy for the approach of the United States, Canada, E.F.T.A. and the Six, including ourselves, into such an Atlantic economic union?

Mr. Stewart

The answer to the second part of the supplementary question is, "No, Sir." We are at present engaged in discovering whether there is, as we trust, a basis for negotiations for entry into the European Economic Community. I do not think that much point would be served by trying to weigh up the comparative merits of different alternatives to that policy.

Mr. Roebuck

Is it within my right hon. Friend's recollection that the proposal for an Atlantic Free Trade Area was particularly warmly advocated by the Prime Minister in 1962? Has my right hon. Friend any information on whether the Prime Minister has changed his mind?

Mr. Stewart

I think that my right hon. Friend's policy is well known. It has been repeatedly stated.