HC Deb 27 February 1967 vol 742 cc11-2W
78. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will detail the extraordinary processes mentioned by the British Ambassador to France in his speech in Paris on 2nd February which have led Her Majesty's Government to a decision on eventual Market membership.

Mr. George Brown

It is clear from the full text of the speech, which is available in the Library, that the Am- bassador was referring to the state of public opinion in Britain as reflected in recent opinion polls and not to a Government decision to apply to join the European Economic Community. The speech also makes clear that there are a range of problems which require to be satisfactorily overcome before Britain could join the Community.

84. Mr. Norman St. John-Stevas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the current position of Great Britain's negotiations to join the Common Market.

Mr. Mulley

I have nothing to add at this stage to the reports that have already been given to the House by my right honourable Friend the Prime Minister on his visits with my right honourable Friend the Foreign Secretary to Rome, Paris, Brussels and Bonn.

99. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, how far high-ranking civil servants in his Department are entitled to make their views known on the subject of the suggested entry of Great Britain into the European Economic Community; and whether this entitlement is available to all civil servants irrespective of rank.

Mr. George Brown

All the officers in my Department understand that decisions and pronouncements on policy are for Ministers. There are however occasions such as private study groups which officers attend in their personal capacity that in my view it is good both for them and for the other participants that they should take a full part in the discussions. Of course if this is to be so, then their confidence must be respected by the other participants. Senior officials serving abroad are of course in a special position. It is their duty to explain and further the policies of Her Majesty's Government.

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