HC Deb 22 January 1969 vol 776 c460
6. Sir B. Rhys Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what part Her Majesty's Government intends to take in the development of new agricultural agreements between the countries of the European Economic Community; and what consultations are taking place with European Free Trade Association countries.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

As the United Kingdom is not yet a member of the European Economic Community, we are not in a position to take part in their internal discussions. On the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the communiqué which was issued after the recent E.F.T.A. Ministerial Meeting in Vienna and circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 26th November, 1968.—[Vol. 774, c. 88–9.]

Sir B. Rhys Williams

Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the breakdown of the Common Market agricultural policy is an extremely significant development? Does not he regard this as an opportunity for us to show ourselves to be good Europeans?

Mr. Hughes

We are in the posture of good Europeans and we are watching carefully the development of a common agricultural policy.