§ Q13. Mr. Roseasked the Prime Minister whether he will seek to consult Great Britain's trading partners in the European Free Trade Association, the Commonwealth, and other parts of Europe before reopening negotiations with the European Economic Community for the purpose of entry.
§ The Prime MinisterWe should certainly consult with our partners in the European Free Trade Association and the Commonwealth. Our undertakings to do266W so were reaffirmed in the communiques issued after the Lisbon ministerial meeting last month and the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' meeting in September. We should also be ready to consult with the Government of the Irish Republic in view of the close trading relationship between our two countries.
§ Q14. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will not take any irretrievable steps towards making application to join or actually joining the European Economic Community until the House of Commons has had the opportunity of debating this question and coming to a decision thereon.
§ The Prime MinisterYes.