§ 34. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recommendations and resolutions passed unanimously by the Assembly of the Council of Europe in January, 1971, concerning priorities for the overseas development policy of member countries in the second development decade copies of which have been sent to him.
§ Mr. KershawMy right hon. Friend is glad of the interest of the Assembly of the Council of Europe in this important subject, and sympathises with the general trend of its thinking, but I cannot usefully deal in a single statement with all aspects of these recommendations and resolutions, which range widely over many different elements in our aid policy.
§ Mr. JuddI thank the Under-Secretary for that answer. Is he aware that the unanimous view of the Assembly was that the present agricultural policy of the European Economic Community. with its protection of inefficient agriculture and support for the dumping of food surpluses, works directly against the crtical objective of agriculture and rural development in the developing countries? Is he aware that there are, for this reason, doubts about the implications of British entry into the Community, in view of its present policy? Will he seek an assurance from his right hon. Friend 34 to the effect that the conditions of entry will be changed on this vital front?
§ Mr. KershawWe have noticed the Assembly's line of thought in this matter of agricultural produce in developing countries, with which we are in broad agreement. I am glad to acknowledge the hon. Gentleman's contribution as rapporteur of the round table on overseas development.