HC Deb 06 July 1967 vol 749 cc1978-9
29. Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will publish a booklet, intended for popular consumption, setting out the reasons why entry into the Common Market would be to Great Britain's advantage.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. George Brown)

I am considering whether there is anything we can usefully add to the material listed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State in his reply on the 14th of June to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesend (Mr. Murray).—[Vol. 748, c. 97–8.]

Mr. Jenkin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this reconsideration will be welcomed? Is he also aware that when I made this request to the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister was kind enough to send me a copy of his speech of 8th May? Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that that is no adequate substitute for a popular version of the arguments for joining the Common Market?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps I might try sending the hon. Gentleman a copy of my own speech to see whether it is any better.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

As it is highly improbable that we shall enter the E.E.C., will the right hon. Gentleman not waste public money on such a publication?

Mr. Brown

I do not know on what judgment the hon. Gentleman bases that suggestion. It will be interesting to see who turns out to be right.