HC Deb 28 November 1962 vol 668 cc62-3W
91. Viscount Lambton

asked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent Her Majesty's Government's undertakings to the European Free Trade Association involve a commitment on behalf of the United Kingdom not to enter the European Economic Community without all European Free Trade Association countries being admitted to full membership.

Mr. Heath

The obligations of the European Free Trade Association countries towards each other are contained in the London communiqué of June, 1961, which states that "the members of the European Free Trade Association should co-ordinate their actions and remain united throughout the negotiations" and that the Association "would be maintained until satisfactory arrangements have been worked out in negotiations to meet the various legitimate interests of all members of the European Free Trade Association, and thus enable them to participate from the same date in an integrated market". Two other members of the European Free Trade Association—Denmark and Norway—have applied for full membership under Article 237 and the others are seeking association under Article 238 of the Treaty of Rome.