§ Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in the negotiations for Great Britain to become a member of the European Economic Community, he will propose that Hong Kong should automatically acquire associate membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
§ Mr. RipponHer Majesty's Government have formally proposed association for Hong Kong as for other dependent territories under Part IV of the Treaty of Rome, as a means of making adequate provisions for Hong Kong's interests. The Community have however said that they will wish the question of Hong Kong to be discussed separately from that of other dependent territories. Her Majesty's Government is pursuing the question of the relationship of Hong Kong with the Community in full consultation with the Hong Kong Government.