HC Deb 15 December 1970 vol 808 cc1117-8
Q8. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to discuss Great Britain's application to join the Common Market at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference.

The Prime Minister

I have no doubt that our negotiations for entry into the European Communities will be discussed at the Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference.

Mr. Marten

Since my right hon. Friend is a staunch believer in the Commonwealth, could he take a message to the Prime Ministers' conference from this House that under no circumstances would this House agree to pass any recom- mendation to join the Common Market if it meant in any way harming the Commonwealth, to whom we owe such a great obligation?

The Prime Minister

The negotiating position on matters affecting Commonwealth countries has been stated from time to time both in the White Paper and by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, but it would not be right for me to try to tell the Prime Ministers of Commonwealth countries what the House of Commons itself will do.

Mr. John Mendelson

When the right hon. Gentleman addresses and takes part in the discussions with the other Commonwealth Prime Ministers, will he make it clear that this new House of Commons has had no opportunity of reflecting the many letters and messages which hon. Members have received from people in Commonwealth parliamentary assemblies on the implications of the negotiations, and that therefore he has no mandate to say either way whether the House of Commons is prepared to approve the bartering away of Commonwealth interests which his Administration are attempting to undertake?

The Prime Minister

The Commonwealth Prime Ministers and their Parliaments follow these matters very closely. They know that the House of Commons has an opportunity of questioning the Minister responsible for the restrictions when he returns from Brussels on each occasion and they will also know of the undertaking that there will be a debate when the House resumes after Christmas. They also know that the final decision is made only when the complete negotiations can be placed before the House of Commons.