HC Deb 17 May 1971 vol 817 cc872-3
13. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on his discussions at the meeting of the European Free Trade Association held in Reykjavik on 13th and 14th May 1971.

40. Mr. Wellbeloved

asked the Seretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the European Free Trade Association Ministerial meeting in Reykjavik on 13th and 14th May.

46. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the recent European Free Trade Association Ministerial Council meeting.

Mr. Rippon

I am arranging for the Communiqué issued at the end of this meeting to be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and I hope to make a statement later today.

Following is the Communiqué:

E.F.T.A. MELTING 13TH AND 14TH MAY, COMMUNIQUÉ On the invitation of the Government of Iceland, the E.F.T.A. Council and the Joint Council of E.F.T.A. and Finland met at ministerial level on 13th and 14th May, 1971, at Reykjavik, the hospitable capital of the newest member of E.F.T.A. Mr. E. Brugger, Swiss Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Public Economy, was in the chair. In the E.F.T.A. Council, with the Finnish Minister present in his personal capacity, Ministers held a full discussion of the prospects for wider European integration which had always been the main objective of E.F.T.A. They welcomed the progress made since their last meeting in November, 1970, in the negotiations and exploratory talks between the E.F.T.A. countries and the European Communities. On the negotiations of the candidates for Community membership, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom, Ministers noted that a great deal had been accomplished and agreement reached on a large number of matters. They were especially glad to note the significant progress made in the meeting just concluded in Brussels between the United Kingdom and the Communities. Ministers furthermore considered that the exploratory talks of recent months between the E.F.T.A. countries not seeking membership and the Communities should provide a suitable basis for their forthcoming negotiations. They expressed confidence that a basis had now been laid for the solution of the outstanding problems in respect of all E.F.T.A. countries. Ministers reaffirmed their strong interest in safeguarding, as an important part of an enlarged European Community, the free trade already established between E.F.T.A. countries. They reiterated their desire, which is in line with that expressed by the Communities, that all the accession treaties and special relations agreements should come into force at the same time: all these arrangements should be in conformity with the G.A.T.T. The Association is engaged in finding workable solutions to the practical problems involved in the maintainance of the free trade already achieved in E.F.T.A. All Ministers expressed appreciation for the work already done and instructed the Councils at official level, assisted by the Secretariat, to pursue it vigorously. Ministers held a general discussion of the world trade situation during which reference was made to recent events in the monetary field. Emphasis was laid on the importance of current work in G.A.T.T. on non-tariff barriers and on the preparation of future negotiations for the further liberalisation of world trade. Ministers were pleased to note the support for this work recently expressed by the World Business Community through the International Chamber of Commerce. They emphasised that developments in Western Europe should not prejudice efforts to promote trade with other important areas, including trade between East and West. Ministers noted with satisfaction that the Generalised Preference Scheme for the benefit of the developing countries would soon be brought into effect, according to the principles laid down both in the O.E.C.D. and U.N.C.T.A.D. Ministers noted with satisfaction the continued increase in trade in the E.F.T.A. countries and particularly in their trade with each other, which in 1970 had shown a larger increase than in any year since the Association was founded. This once again illustrated the advantages which the E.F.T.A. countries had obtained from the abolition of barriers to trade between them. Ministers also noted that June, 1971, would mark the 10th anniversary of Finland's association with E.F.T.A. Over that period the co-operation under equal rights and obligations between Finland and the E.F.T.A. member states had developed to the fullest satisfaction of all members of the Association Agreement. Noting that the necessity for national inspection, for health and safety purposes, of the production of certain goods could result in considerable non-tariff barriers to trade, Ministers welcomed the new agreements which had been concluded for the mutual recognition of inspections of a number of important articles of trade: pharmaceuticals, pressure vessels and ships' safety equipment. These agreements were open to the membership of other countries with comparable inspection systems and Ministers would welcome interest on the part of such countries. They also hoped that these agreements would be followed by others concerning different products. Ministers agreed that the next regular Ministerial meeting of the Councils will take place in Geneva on 4th and 5th November, 1971.