HC Deb 10 February 1969 vol 777 cc877-8
28. Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider initialing a conference between British Commonwealth and European Free Trade Association countries.

Mr. Mulley

No, Sir. I am not aware of any widespread wish, either among Commonwealth countries or members of the European Free Trade Association, for such a conference.

Mr. Molloy

I hope my right hon. Friend is aware that there is such a desire now. Is he aware that many of us feel that it is about time the Government gave up chasing this will-o-the-wisp of the Common Market? They seem to be obsessed by this mirage. If they have not thought of having a conference between people who have been so close to us over the years like the E.F.T.A. countries and the British Commonwealth of nations, it is about time they did.

Mr. Mulley

I do not think we need a conference for it to be known that we have very great support from our Commonwealth friends and our friends in E.F.T.A. The purpose of such a conference would be to bring the economic activities of the two sets of Governments together. Although the recent meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers discussed the world economic situation, there was no pressure from any source for a conference of this kind.

Mr. Marten

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the proposition put forward in this Question would have the implications of a much wider and much more imaginative trading area than anything the Government are thinking about at the moment?

Mr. Mulley

It is a matter of opinion. The economic interest and state of development of Commonwealth countries is very varied indeed. Secondly, it would not be for this country to take the initiative in calling a Commonwealth conference. That procedure is well-established as one for the Secretary-General after consultation with the Commonwealth Governments.