§ Q14. Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Prime Minister why he has transferred responsibility for Great Britain's relations with the European Free Trade Association from the President of the Board of Trade to the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State has a general responsibility for external economic policy, and particular responsibility for economic policy in regard to Europe. He is thus directly concerned with our relations with the European Free Trade Association in this wider context. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade remains responsible for the conduct of commercial and economic relations with the European Free Trade Association.