HC Deb 12 July 1984 vol 63 cc675-6W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will indicate the date by which the heads of agreement must be signed in connection with the accession of Spain to the European Community.

Mr. Rifkind

The European Council at Fontainebleau last month confirmed that the negotiations for the accession of Spain and Portugal should be completed by 30 September 1984 at the latest. This target is an ambitious one, but there is a general determination in the Community to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion as soon as possible. Experience suggests that it would he some weeks or months after the conclusion of negotiations before a treaty of accession would be ready for signature.