§ Q4. Mr. Molloyasked the Prime Minister what discussions he intends to have with Commonwealth countries when the present European Economic Community probings are concluded.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave last Tuesday to a supplementary question by the right hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton).
§ Mr. MolloyWould not my right hon. Friend agree that any discussions he is to have with Commonwealth countries are of equal importance with, if not more important than, some of the discussions he has been having recently? Will he assure the House that all the views expressed by Commonwealth countries as well as the views of those countries he has visited in Europe will be the subject of examination and discussion in this House?
§ The Prime MinisterOver the last two years I have spent at least as much time 1751 discussing world problems with my Commonwealth colleagues as with Heads of Government in Europe. Certainly, as I explained last Tuesday, when we come near to a decision on this question there will be the fullest consultations. Indeed, they have already begun in the visit of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. I am going to Canada in May and will be having discussions then with the Canadian Prime Minister.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsWould it not be prudent to have an alternative ready in case France vetoes again our entry into Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterThis question was fully debated when we discussed the Government's announcement on 10th November. The Question on the Order Paper relates to consultations with Commonwealth countries and I have described the arrangements that will be followed.
§ Mr. MaudlingDoes it follow from the Prime Minister's earlier reply that no statement of Government intentions will be made until after his visit to Canada in May?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, that does not follow. I indicated on Tuesday that no statement is likely this side of Easter, which was what I was asked. We shall be in continuous touch with all our Commonwealth colleagues on this but, of course, I do not prejudge a decision that we have not yet taken. We shall be examining the consequences of our talks. I do not think that any final decision will be taken before May in the sense of any final decision to apply or not to apply to enter the Common Market.