HC Deb 17 March 1969 vol 780 cc18-20
22. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further consideration he has given to proposals for bilateral tariff reductions between the European Economic Community and countries applying for membership.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in the House in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster (Mr. Henig) on 18th February [Vol. 778, c. 207–13] and to what my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs said in reply to the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) on 10th February [Vol. 777, c. 876–7].

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree that, outside his Department, the fact that a proposal emanated from France would not be regarded as a sufficient reason in itself for its rejection? Can he say what there is incompatible about proposals for tariff cutting with our bid for full membership of the European Community?

Mr. Stewart

No one would be so foolish as to regard the fact that a proposal emanated from France as an objection to it. There is not necessarily anything incompatible between our desire to enter the European Economic Community and bilateral reductions but, as has been explained in the House, any proposal of this kind would from our point of view need to be clearly linked with our entry into the Community

Mr. Luard

Would my right hon. Friend agree that, provided an arrangement of this kind could be made compatible with our obligations to G.A.T.T. an approach of this sort would be consistent with his own efforts to increase cooperation with the members of the Six in every possible way, pending our full membership of the Common Market?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir. We have stated that we would certainly look at any proposals of this kind which came from the Six as a whole and which were clearly intended as a prelude to our entry to the Community and not as a substitute for it

Mr. Heath

Have the Government done a detailed study of particular tariff reductions between the Community and ourselves which would benefit this country, in view of the fact that, under the most-favoured nation clause of G.A.T.T., they would have to be extended to other countries without reciprocal arrangements? Can he tell us the result of any study, if it has been done?

Mr. Stewart

There has been a study of this, but we are left with the position that, if we were to accept the idea of bilateral tariff reductions between countries in the Market and countries outside which were not linked to our entry to the European Economic Community, this would mean that we should have to take on some of the difficulties and problems of entry without securing the advantages.

Mr. Heath

With respect to the right hon. Gentleman, that is why I asked if a study had been made of those cases in which it would be to our advantage to have such multilateral or bilateral reductions. Surely it has always been our policy that, where a bilateral reduction was of value to this country, we should go for it whatever it was. Why should this be excluded from the Common Market?

Mr. Stewart

This would not apply to bilateral reductions simply between countries in the Common Market and applicants. It would be part of the general process of attempting to get reductions in tariffs.

33. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest situation in Great Britain's attempts to join the Common Market.

Mr. M. Stewart

I have nothing to add to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedfordshire, South (Mr. Gwilym Roberts) on 6th March.—[Vol. 779, c. 665–72.]

Mr. Marten

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that some of us on this side of the House are genuinely concerned to see the unity of the Continent of Europe and many of us believe that our continued application to join the Common Market is, rightly or wrongly, a divisive force in progress of the Common Market? Is it not, therefore, time we were a little less selfish and withdrew our application for the time being?

Mr. Stewart

I think we are all concerned about the future of Europe, but I cannot accept that withdrawal of our application would be helpful, particularly in view of the strong support of our application by five of the six members of the Community.

Mr. Heffer

In view of the fact that it is quite clear, or should be, to most hon. Members, that the future of Britain lies precisely in Europe, and that the main obstacle to our entry to the European Economic Community is the Head of the French Government, will not my right hon. Friend and the Prime Minister reconsider the view that they have been developing lately and have further talks with General de Gaulle at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Stewart

We have already made it clear that we are ready to have talks with the French Government.