HC Deb 17 July 1967 vol 750 cc1527-8
22. Mr. Alan Lee Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has received from the Swedish Government about their special problem in the light of the majority of members of the European Free Trade Association joining the European Economic Community.

Mr. George Brown

We are in continuous consultation with Sweden, as with all members of the European Free Trade Association, through official Council meetings in Geneva and through Ministerial meetings, the most recent of which took place in London on the 28th of April. As my hon. Friend will be aware, these meetings are confidential.

Mr. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those of us on this side of the House who are in favour of British entry to the Common Market are nevertheless anxious about adequate arrangements for E.F.T.A.? Would he agree to give an undertaking to keep in regular contact with the E.F.T.A. countries throughout the projected negotiations?

Mr. Brown

We have already given that undertaking. My hon. Friend must have seen the communiqué issued at the end of the last meeting which we had in London. We are observing that, and all our friends in E.F.T.A. understand that we are observing it.

42. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what plans he has for discussions with the West German Government about matters of common concern relating to Great Britain's application to join the Common Market.

Mr. George Brown

We are, of course, in continuous touch with the Federal German Government. In addition, the Federal German Chancellor has accepted in principle the invitation of Her Majesty's Government to visit Britain at a mutually convenient date.

Mr. Watkins

Bearing in mind the possibility of this country not entering the European Economic Community, will my right hon. Friend not consider the initiation of discussions with the West German Government with a view to entering into joint projects on the lines of the Franco-British Concord project?

Mr. Brown

That would be the wrong way to go about it. I bear in mind the possibility or probability of the entry of this country into the Common Market, and we should look upon our future arrangements in that way, as do the Federal German Government.