HC Deb 19 March 1970 vol 798 cc595-6
22. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what studies are being carried out in her Department of the effects of possible British entry into the European Economic Community upon developing countries in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Whitaker

My staff have this under examination so far as is possible at this stage.

Mr. Prentice

Will my hon. Friend's Ministry play a major rôle in the preparatory work for the negotiations? Would he bear in mind that this is desirable, in order that the specific interests of developing countries in the Commonwealth are studied in depth in sufficient time to influence the course of negotiations?

Mr. Whitaker

These considerations, including, in particular, the suitable long-term arrangements for Commonwealth sugar producers, are very much in the forefront of our planning.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Will the Minister or her hon. Friend be in attendance in Brussels with the Chancellor of the Duchy when matters affecting developing members of the Commonwealth are discussed? Who specifically will be responsible for putting the case of the sugar islands of Mauritius, Fiji and the West Indies?

Mr. Whitaker

All these factors are taken into account by Her Majesty's Government's representatives who will be concerned with the negotiations.

Mr. Shinwell

If studies are now being carried out, does that not suggest that no decision has been reached yet on this very important aspect of the problem? Would my hon. Friend convey the fact that there is no decision yet to his noble Friend, Lord Chalfont, in the other place, who yesterday indulged in a load of rubbish and, by implication, criticised some hon. Members in this House?

Mr. Whitaker

I regret that I did not hear that debate, but I will read it with considerable care and interest.

Mr. Shinwell

On a point of order. I give you notice, Mr. Speaker, that, at the end of Questions, I shall raise a point of order with you on this matter.

Mr. Braine

Since the lion's share of British aid goes to developing countries in the Commonwealth, who also receive substantial help through the medium of commodity agreements, is there not a strong case for publishing these studies for the benefit of hon. Members?

Mr. Whitaker

There are, of course, many unquantifiable factors still involved, but the House will already be aware of the assurance by my right hon. Friend the Member for Belper (Mr. George Brown) that we shall be concerned to ensure association under Part Four of the Treaty of Rome for our dependent territories and association under the Yaounde Convention for the Commonwealth developing countries as well.

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