§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister what further consideration he has given to the possibility of the United Kingdom applying for associate membership of the European Communities.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have said many times our application is for full membership of the European Communities; and that application is in and remains in. As to association, it is not clear what particular form those who advocate it have in mind. But whatever form it took there are two main objections to it. First, anything short of full membership would deny Britain a full voice in future Community decisions, and thereby commit us to accepting and operating far-reaching economic and perhaps political decisions which we had taken no part in shaping. This is clearly out of the question.
Secondly, it is an illusion to think that a negotiation for associate membership would be any easier, less complicated or more certain than a negotiation for full membership. On the contrary, it might well take longer and would involve further uncertainties for European industry and for the general cause of European unity.
I repeat that the alternative of association is unacceptable to Britain.