§ 92. Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to bring the nations of eastern Europe into closer formal relationships with the European Economic Community.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe Commission is in contact with the individual European members of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. The Foreign Affairs Council of 27 October confirmed the importance of mutually beneficial commercial and economic links with eastern European countries. The Council reviewed progress on a number of bilateral discussions in train between the Community and individual states concerned, as well as considering its reaction to the CMEA's expressed wish to enter into official relations with the Community. On 24 November, the Council approved a negotiating mandate for an EC-Czechoslovakia trade agreement.