§ 77. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the comprehensive trade agreements for India, Pakistan and certain other Commonwealth countries in Asia offered by the European Economic Community during negotiations in 1962 remain adequate to safeguard the interests of those countries now; if the Commonwealth Governments concerned have been consulted on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe provisional agreement of 1962 with the member Governments of the European Economic Community envisaged together with certain changes in the common external tariff of the Community, and other trade arrangements, that the enlarged Community would declare its readiness to start negotiating with India and Pakistan, and also Ceylon (if that Government desired), comprehensive trade agreements the objectives of which would be to develop mutual trade for the purpose of maintaining and, as much as possible, increasing the level of their foreign currency receipts, and in general of facilitating their development plans. Following consultation with the Commonwealth Governments concerned it has been proposed to the six that this provisional agreement should be revived. Arrangements on these lines appear to offer the best prospects of safeguarding the essential interests of the three countries.