HC Deb 04 June 1962 vol 661 cc1-2W
9. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will arrange for a complete dossier of documents, agreements, minutes of discussions and all relevant papers connected with the discussions on the Common Market to be made available in the Library of the House of Commons.

Mr. Heath

No. The negotiations are confidential and it would be contrary to practice to place documents of this kind in the Library while the negotiations are going on.

10. Mr. Swingler

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will give an assurance that he will propose, in the negotiations concerning Britain's relations with the Common Market, that the British statutory film levy should be exempt from the provisions of the Rome Treaty.

Mr. Heath

Article 92 of the Treaty of Rome provides for the possible continuation of State aids in certain circum stances. I understand that experts of the Commission and the Six are still at the stage of exchanging information on the application of these provisions to the film industry and that no proposals are likely to be submitted to the Council of Ministers for some time. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for Her Majesty's Government to make the proposal that the hon. Gentleman suggests.

11. Mr. Swingler

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is aware that the proposals for dealing with the film industry are now being prepared by the High Commission for submission to the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community; if he will apply to the Commission for a copy of these proposals when submitted and consult representatives of the British film industry on their likely effects if Britain joins the Common Market.

Mr. Heath

Yes. We shall seek to obtain copies of the relevant documents if proposals are formulated while the Brussels negotiations are in progress. The Board of Trade are in close touch with the film industry.

29. Mr. Worsley

asked the Lord Privy Seal what consultations he has had with other countries applying for membership of the European Economic Community with a view to co-ordinating the applications.

Mr. Heath

We are in close touch with the other members of the European Free Trade Association and the Irish Republic.

30. Mr. Oram

asked the Lord Privy Seal if, in the negotiations with the European Economic Community, he has submitted proposals for a nil tariff on tea as well as on certain raw materials.

Mr. Heath

Yes.