HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc1716-8
49. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he will not prepare a White Paper on the implications for Scotland of Great Britains' proposed entry to the European Economic Community.

Mr. Ross

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given on 15th June by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan).—[Vol. 748, c. 127.]

Mr. Taylor

If the right hon. Gentleman is not even able to persuade his Cabinet colleagues to tell the people of Scotland the facts, how can we have any confidence in his ability to represent them in these negotiations?

Mr. Ross

The hon. Member should appreciate that the people of Scotland are well able to deduce the facts for themselves in respect to these vital matters. Where it is essential to know the differences that exist—as in agriculture—the facts have already been brought out. In relation to law they have been brought out. If the hon. Member were interested he would be asking me about the effect on Scotland of the Kennedy Round or G.A.T.T., or E.F.T.A., which he has never done in the past.

Mr. James Davidson

Has the right hon. Gentleman examined the implications of Great Britain's proposed entry into the European Economic Community in relation to the Treaty of Union of 1707?

Mr. Ross

Yes, and I see no bar.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Will not the right hon Gentleman think again about this and agree that the pubication of a White Paper, as suggested by my hon. Friend, might do something to clear up the doubts about his own attitude in this matter?

Mr. Ross

He should ask me about my attitude and he would get an answer without my having to produce a White Paper, which might not produce anything practicable.

Mr. Manuel

Does my right hon. Friend recognise the extreme difficulty that he would have in producing a White Paper when negotiations have not even started and, therefore, no implications could be drawn for presentation to the House?

Mr. Ross

The implications for Scottish industry are the same as for British industry. It is quite impossible for me to try to draw rings round one part of the country and another part, and to say that they are different.

Mr. Eadie

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is more enthusiasm on the benches opposite—White Paper or no —for entry into the Common Market?

Mr. Ross

I cannot see any sign of enthusiasm for anything on that side of the House.

Mr. Clark Hutchison

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices to see that Scottish trade is stepped up to America and the great British nations beyond the seas and not get too mesmerised by Europe?

Mr. Ross

We do not want to get mesmerised by Europe or anywhere else. We must appreciate the weaknesses of Scottish trade, the need for growth and development, and the need to take steps to make it suited for all eventualities.

Mr. Noble

When the right hon. Gentleman talks about the weaknesses of Scottish trade, will he remember that we export a larger proportion of our trade than does the rest of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Ross

That is true, and even more true when considering the newer industries which have come into Scotland recently.