§ Mr. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the invitation to Her Majesty's Government from the Schuman Plan Authority to negotiate a form of association.
§ Mr. EdenThe High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community have informed Her Majesty's Government that they wish to enter into discussions in order to establish a formal association between the United Kingdom and the Community by means of an agreement. They have also offered certain preliminary suggestions as to what this agreement might contain. The policy of Her Majesty's Government is to maintain an intimate and enduring association with the Community, and they have received this proposal with great interest. The High Authority's proposal will require careful study and consultations with the interests concerned.