§ Q1. Dr. Gilbertasked the Prime Minister how many letters he has received expressing anxiety on the changes in the British social customs that might result from British entry into the Common Market; and how he has replied to them.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)Detailed figures are not available: but I am not aware of any significant anxiety on this account, or of any justification for it.
§ Dr. GilbertThe Prime Minister has held forth the prospect of an increased number of jobs available to the workpeople of this country should we enter the Common Market. Can he estimate the total increase in employment which might be available from such an event? Second, bearing in mind that this week's Economist says that the centre of gravity of an enlarged market for this country would no longer be Birmingham but Lille, what proportion of those jobs would be not in this country but in Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterThis question refers to social customs. The other matter was discussed in the debate yesterday.
§ Mr. OnslowHas my right hon. Friend had any letters expressing anxiety about a possible change in British Socialist customs?
§ The Prime MinisterMany people in Europe have already noticed that that has taken place.