§ Q2. Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the up-to-date position of the British application to join the Common Market.
§ Q5. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement setting out the progress which has been achieved with the United Kingdom's application to join the European Economic Community.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer hon. Members to the Answer I gave on 13th July to Questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich West (Mr. Hamling) and my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, West (Mr. Orme).—[Vol. 750, c. 1005.]
§ Mr. WinnickIs the Prime Minister aware that many people who supported the application are very concerned at how long this application will remain outstanding, and while obviously the Prime Minister cannot set a time limit. would he agree that this application should not remain outstanding for months on end without real progress being made?
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend must not get faint-hearted in this matter. It is little more than two months since the application was put in, and while we are anxious to make the most speedy progress, a good deal has been achieved in Europe in making our position clear. Of course, we shall be very disappointed if there is a serious hold-up in the process of negotiations. At present the Commission is working on all the matters raised by the British application.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect the Six to reach a decision on our application? Will it be before the summer of 1968 and, if our application fails, has he an alternative policy ready?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. and learned Gentleman will be aware that we do not control the actions of the individual members of the Six, and therefore it is impossible to give a meaningful answer to that question. With regard to alternative plans, I have dealt with them very many times, both in the debate on 8th May and since then and at successive Question Times. If the hon. and learned Gentleman missed this, I would be very glad privately to supply him with the necessary references.
§ Mr. Raphael TuckWould my right hon. Friend not agree that the arguments used yesterday by the Chancellor against devaluation apply with equal if not greater force against Britain entering the Common Market?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. They are two entirely separate questions. The argument used by my right hon. Friend commanded very wide support in this House, among those who know the real facts of our trading position. Those who have studied the opportunities for Britain in Europe would feel that what he said on that question has no bearing at all on the question of entering the Common Market.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that General de Gaulle's outburst in Canada yesterday lacked friendship to this country and the Commonwealth? Was it not most regrettable?
§ The Prime MinisterEvents which take place within the Dominion of Canada are matters for the Canadian Government, not for me.