HC Deb 17 March 1969 vol 780 cc26-8
35. Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now initiate a conference involving jointly the European Economic Community and the European Free Trade Association countries.

Mr. M. Stewart

No, Sir. Such a conference would need to have a clear purpose, and be one which would produce results. I am not aware of any widespread support for such a conference at the present time.

Mr. Molloy

Would my right hon. Friend agree that to equate the term "Common Market" with Europe is mischievous and most misleading and also that the successive abortive efforts to join the Common Market have proved economically damaging and politically embarrassing? Ought we not now to give a lead for a much broader concept of Europe, which would include the E.F.T.A. countries and perhaps ultimately lead to a rapprochement with Eastern Europe?

Mr. Stewart

Of course the terms "Common Market" and "Europe" are not synonymous, but our application is viewed with favour by our friends in E.F.T.A. and regarded as a pioneering step for application by other countries. When I have spoken on this subject in the past, I have always made clear that we must not lose sight of the important task of getting a better understanding with Eastern Europe.

Mr. Wood

Before any steps are taken for such a conference, is the right hon. Gentleman taking steps to clear up the row which has broken out between Britain and other countries about imports of fish?

Mr. Stewart

The question of imports of fish goes rather wide of this Question, but as I said, we are not proposing to call such a conference at present.