HC Deb 11 May 1960 vol 623 cc69-70W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the establishment of customs and economic unions, or other forms of association, among the countries covered by the Congo Basin Treaties, and to the association of British territories, or parts thereof, in the Congo Basin with the European Free Trade Association, with consequent preferential treatment in the markets of the Little Seven and vice versa; and if he will specify the amendments which he will seek to have made to the treaties in order to achieve these respective aims.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Proposals for customs unions and other associations between territories covered by the Congo Basin Treaties are considered in the light of all the circumstances and the existence of the Treaties is one of the factors to be taken into account. No proposal is at present under consideration to associate with the European Free Trade Association the British territories to which the Treaties apply.