HC Deb 08 July 1971 vol 820 cc453-4W
Q6. Dr. Gilbert

asked the Prime Minister what plans he now has to discuss with President Nixon the present state of negotiations for this country's adherence to the Treaty of Rome.

The Prime Minister

None at present, but President Nixon has often made clear his whole-hearted support for United Kingdom membership of an enlarged Community.

Q14. Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Prime Minister, in view of his agreement with M. Pompidou on the limited rôle of the Commission in an enlarged European Community and on the Community's development, what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the inclusion of the Commission in the study group being established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to make recommendations for freer world trade, in view of the Commission not being a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and three European Economic Community members being and the United Kingdom expecting to be members of the group.

The Prime Minister

The Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is carrying out consultations on the group's composition. Her Majesty's Government would be content with any arrangement which is generally acceptable to the other members of the Organisation, although we would naturally expect the group to include a representative of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Prime Minister if he will call a constitutional conference at which representatives of the political leaders of the countries of Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man may discuss with him the various issues arising out of Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.

The Prime Minister

No. The elected Parliamentary representatives of constitu- encies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be able to debate and vote on these issues in the House. As far as the implications for the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are concerned there has been and will continue to be close consultation between Her Majsty's Government and the Island authorities.