45. Dame Patricia Hornsby'-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware of the forecast the United Nations Economic 31 Commission for Europe made in October, 1970, of the extent to which Great Britain would gain from increased trade in western Europe; and whether this forecast is in line with his own assessment.
§ 3. Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware of the forecast in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe report of October, 1970, as regards trade expansion in western Europe if the Community is enlarged; and to what extent this forecast agrees with his own assessment.
§ Mr. NobleThe Economic Bulletin for Europe, Volume 22, Number 1 of last October provides no such forecasts, but it does comment that an enlargement of the European Economic Communities would give a new impetus to trade expansion. I share this view.
§ Mr. BodyWould not my right hon. Friend agree that the same report warns this country that our entry will cause a serious deterioration in our balance of payments position?
§ Mr. NobleThat is a separate question. I think that I have given the answer to the Question that I was asked.