§ 25. Mr. C. Osborneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Imperial Chemical Industries is proposing to spend £100 million in Holland in order to overcome the Common Market difficulties; if he will therefore consider the desirability of the United Kingdom joining the European Common Market at the earliest opportunity so that such sums may be spent in the United Kingdom thus producing more jobs here, and more funds from profits to maintain the welfare state; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudlingI am aware of the recent announcement by Imperial Chemical Industries of its plans to establish plants on a site in Holland.
The existence of the Common Market was not the determining factor in the 56W company's decision. The Government have, however, made clear their view that the division of Europe into two economic groups is most undesirable, and they will continue their efforts to find some way of bringing the groups together.