HC Deb 13 January 1993 vol 216 cc755-6W
27. Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what timetable is proposed for enlargement of the European Community.

Mr. Garet-Jones

The Edinburgh European Council agreed to launch accession negotiations with Austria, Finland and Sweden. They will open in early February. Negotiations with Norway are likely to begin not long afterwards. The Government will be working for an early and successful conclusion to the negotiations which would permit accession around 1995. Work is now under way to prepare the Visegrad countries of eastern Europe for eventual Community membership—an objective endorsed for the first time by last month's European Council.

28. Mr. Bates

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the advantages accruing to the north-east of England resulting from enlargement of the EC to include Norway and Sweden.

Mr. Garel-Jones

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs expects the enlargement of the EC to benefit all regions of Britain. The extension of the single market will provide more opportunities for British business men and greater choice for the British consumer. It should boost economic growth and create jobs.