§ Mr. Altonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action his Department has taken or plans to take to increase economic co-operation between the United Kingdom and other European Community member states.
§ Mr. Ian StewartAlthough the right of initiative strictly rests with the Commission, European Community member states are always exploring ways to improve economic co-operation, and Her Majesty's Government as a whole take a leading part in this. The United Kingdom is particularly anxious to see the development of a genuine internal market covering services as well as goods, and is supporting Commission proposals to bring this about. The Prime Minister at Dublin welcomed the Commission's annual economic report, which calls for member states to act together to increase growth and reduce unemployment. This question will be discussed at the European Council this week.