§ 73. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister without Portfolio what steps have been taken to put before the public the considerations to be taken into account in the negotiations for the United Kingdom's accession to the Common Market.
§ Mr. DeedesThe considerations have been fully put to the public in the Prime Minister's statement of 31st July, 1961, in Ministers' speeches and in the debates of 2nd-3rd August, 1961, and of 6th-7th June, 1962. The Lord Privy Seal's opening statement to the Six of 10th October, 1961, which contains a full analysis of the main problems, has been published as a White Paper. Ministers have made frequent public speeches outside this House. In particular the Lord Privy Seal has on several occasions taken the opportunities of television appearances to keep the public informed. The Lord Privy Seal has made regular reports to this House about the progress of negotiations. Factual background on trade questions involved in membership has been published by the Government's Information Services, notably in articles in the Treasury's Bulletin for Industry which have been brought up to date and reprinted as a special supplement. A booklet entitledBritain and the European Communities was published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office on 28th May, 1962, giving an analysis of the structure and aims of the Communities, the economies of Western Europe as a whole, and the character of its trade, with special reference to the trade of Britain and the rest of the Commonwealth with these countries.