§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Lord Privy Seal what protest he has made to the Commission of the Common Market regarding the demand made by the Commission for British firms to give details of agreements in Europe by 1st February, in view of the confusion that has resulted from this request; and whether he has requested an extension of the time limit.
§ Mr. HeathWe have not taken this matter up with the Commission. British firms are not required to notify the Commission of their agreements. They may, however, notify agreements made with 49W firms in the Community which affect trade between Member States if they wish to obtain exemption from the provisions of Article 85 (1) of the Treaty of Rome and the other party to the agreement has not notified it.