§ LORD BOSSOMasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether in view of the fact that they are making investigation into the possibilities of Great Britain joining the Common Market, they can state if any special study has been made of the individual industries or trades that might possibly be hurtfully affected by joining, and whether special consideration has been given to what action can be taken to avoid any such unsatisfactory results; and to whom these interests, who are possibly affected, should apply to obtain the benefit of the Government's investigations.
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD MILLS)Membership of the Common Market would lead to increased competition in the home market and create greater opportunities to export to other members of the European Economic Community. The great majority of British firms have welcomed the prospect of a single market in Western Europe and appear confident of benefiting from its advantages. We cannot foresee all the circumstances which may affect particular trades in the future and no special study has therefore been practicable of those industries in which some firms might be hurtfully affected. The elimination of tariffs between the U.K. and other members of the Community would take place over a period of time and the Treaty of Rome contains provisions for relieving serious difficulties that arise in any sector of the economy as a result of joining the Common Market.
House adjourned at thirteen minutes before eight o'clock.