§ 2.52 p.m.
§ LORD LATHAMMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government wheher any and, if so, what consultations are taking place with the European Free Trade Association countries concerning possible entry into the European Economic Community.]
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND MINISTER FOR SCIENCE (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)My Lords, we are in close consultation with our partners in the European Free Trade Association about possible solutions to the problem of relations with the European Economic Community. This question will be further discussed at the next meeting of the E.F.T.A. Council at ministerial level in London on June 27 and 28.
§ LORD LATHAMI am much obliged to the noble Viscount.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, may I take it that at that Conference there will be a full consideration of the results so far of the operations of E.F.T.A. itself? If I read the trade figures aright, in the last six months of 1960, for example, our combined exports to them increased by 61 per cent. and their exports to us increased by 15 per cent., serving only to accentuate the trade balance difficulties between our countries.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, I have no doubt that everything relevant will be considered, although that particular subject is outside the scope of the original Question.