§ 46. Mr. Grimondasked the Prime Minister which Minister is now primarily responsible for dealing with United Kingdom relations with the European Free Trade Area and the Common Market; and what efforts are now being made to heal the breach in Europe between the two economic groups.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Governments concerned agreed in Paris on 10th June to continue to discuss the trade relations between the European Economic Community and the European Free Trade Association in the Committee on Trade Problems in Paris. We and our partners in the European Free Trade Association have made it clear that we are prepared to negotiate in a constructive spirit. Our aim is a partnership between the two groupings in a common system of European trade consistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
So far as United Kingdom Ministers are concerned relations with the European Free Trade Association inevitably fall within the field of a number of Ministers, in particular the Foreign Secretary, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Trade. My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary has a general responsibility for the political aspects and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the economic aspects of this problem.