HC Deb 22 January 1968 vol 757 cc21-2
23. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest situation arising from Great Britain's application to join the European Economic Community.

42. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he now proposes to further the application of the United Kingdom to join the European Economic Community.

Mr. George Brown

I have nothing to add to my statement in the House on 20th December.—[Vol. 756, c. 1267–9.]

Mr. Campbell

What is the Government's attitude to the recently reported proposals from the German Government, and also the proposals put forward by the Benelux countries?

Mr. Brown

I have just been to Bonn and have discussed with the German Government their thinking and ours. I would prefer not to go into the matter any further today. As for the Benelux proposals, I have only just received them and am now studying them.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay particular attention to parliamentary opinion, which is overwhelmingly in favour of closer association between Western Europe and this country, as shown by the Declaration of Paris, representing 90 per cent. of the electorate of Western Europe?

Mr. Brown

Yes, but one has to decide what one means by "closer association".

Mr. Jennings

Is the Government investigating any further the question of amalgamation with other nations, in view of the proposed entry into the Common Market failing? Has he considered the question of what is to happen after? Will he tell us whether he is investigating such a position?

Mr. Brown

The hon. Member is my political neighbour on whom I have some designs. The question of amalgamation with neighbouring powers occasionally enters my mind, but in the sense in which the hon. Member puts the question, the answer is "No".

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