§ Q11. Mr. Sheldonasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the report of the European Commission on Great Britain's application for membership of the European Economic Community.
§ The Prime MinisterThe House will not expect me to comment in detail on a document which has not yet been fully debated by the Six Governments. But, as my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary told the House in his Statement of 26th October, we welcome the Commission's conclusion that Britain's accession will strengthen the Community; and its firm recommendation that negotiations should begin.—[Vol. 751, c. 1894–1904.]
§ Q14. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister what are now the essential British and Commonwealth interests which the Government are seeking to safeguard in their negotiations with the Common Market.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the Statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in the Council of Western European94W Union on 4th July, which has been published as a White Paper.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether the Government's declared policy of gaining admission into the Common Market now includes the acceptance of the conditions insisted upon by the French of devaluation of the £ sterling and the ending of the international role of the pound; and whether the further condition of the restoration of the balance of payments before negotiations commence is acceptable to Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to my speech in the Debate on the Address on 31st October—[Vol. 753, c. 24–51.]