§ 88. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he now expects negotiations to begin on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuardThe agreement on Community finance finally confirmed by the Council of Ministers of the Six earlier this month opens the way for the Six to concentrate on preparing for negotiations with Great Britain and the other candidates for membership of the Communities. We look forward to opening negotiations, at least by July and we hope earlier if the Six are ready.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in the White Paper on the economic assessment of Great Britain's entering the Common Market, consideration was given to the effect of immigration of labour into this country 18W from the Six on our National Insurance schemes, housing, wages and salaries; and to what extent allowance was made for these factors in assessing the economic advantages and disadvantages of Great Britain entering the Six.
§ Mr. LuardAll relevant factors were taken into account in preparing the White Paper, but I would remind my hon. Friend of what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 8th May, 1967, in the debate on our application for membership of the Communities, that the Government do not believe there is likely to be any large net increase in the number of European Economic Community nationals coming here to work.—[Vol. 746, c. 1085.]