HC Deb 26 November 1969 vol 792 c419
32. Mr. Marten

asked the President of the Board of Trade if Her Majesty's Government accept Article 113 of the Rome Treaty under which the European Economic Community Commission conducts all trade talks with non-member countries.

Mr. Mason

As members of the European Economic Community we should be bound by Article 113 of the Treaty of Rome in the same way as other members. The Commission's rôle in trade negotiations is, however, subject to the authority of the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Marten

Do the Minister and the Government like the effect of this article on our independent action in economic affairs? Do they wholeheartedly agree with it?

Mr. Mason

After the transitional period the Commission is empowered to negotiate on behalf of the Community, but it would be within the framework of the directive given by the Council of Ministers. Secondly, there are exceptions. During the course of the last year—indeed, recently—the Community approved procedure by which in certain circumstances member States will still be able to negotiate bilateral agreements with non-European Economic Community countries after 1st January, 1970.