§ 110. Mr. Tugendhatasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of what other international trade and aid organisations Great Britain would continue to be a member after joining the European Economic Community.
Mr. Anthony BoyleMembership of the E.C.C. would entail no change in our current membership of the majority of the international trade and aid organisations to which we belong. The organisations of which membership would continue are the Organisation for European Co-operation and Development, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the World Bank Group—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, the International Finance Corporation—United Nations regional commissions, Regional Development Banks, and various aid consortia and consultative groups.
The future of E.F.T.A. depends on the outcome of the negotiations and discussions its members are having with the Community. All members have expressed their strong interest in maintaining, as part of an enlarged Community, the free trade already established in E.F.T.A.
§ Mr. Moyleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many copies of the publication, Common Market and the Common Man, have been circulated by the European Integration Department of the Foreign Office; and at what cost to public funds.
Mr. Anthony BoyleApproximately 200 copies of this publication, which were obtained free of charge, have been sent mainly to members of the public in response to general inquiries about the negotiations with the European Com-32W munities. It has been made clear in each case that the publication is not official.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will publish the rise in prices and the cost of living on present known terms of entry into the European Economic Community if the Community accepts Great Britain's offer of a contribution towards the Community Budget of equal yearly steps to between 13 and 15 per cent. after five years of £180 million, and the Commission's alternative of 21.5 per cent. throughout the transitional period or a contribution rising from 10 to 15 per cent. in the first year to 20 to 25 per cent. in the fifth year, respectively.
Mr. Anthony BoyleNo. There is no direct link between the size of the British contribution to the budget of the European Economic Community, the range of which is a matter for negotiation, and increases in food prices and the cost of living.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give details of the discussions which ensued at Brussels on Thursday, 28th January concerning Great Britain's proposals for meeting its share of the central budget; and whether the offer of £180 million was accepted or what additional amount was demanded by the representatives of the Six.
Mr. Anthony BoyleThere was no meeting between United Kingdom and Community representatives on 28th January at which this matter was discussed. The United Kingdom contribution to the budget of the Communities remains a matter for negotiation.