§ Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from West Indian rum producers with regard to the effect of a British entry into the European Economic Community and the consequent ending of Commonwealth pre- 442W ference; and what action he will take to safeguard their interests.
§ Mr. PeartMy officials have discussed with West Indian rum interests the effects on the industry of British entry into the European Economic Community. These would depend mainly on the nature of association or other arrangements between the enlarged Community and the Caribbean countries and territories concerned. The Government had declared its intention, in negotiations for entry, of asking the members of the E.E.C. to confirm that association under Part IV of the Treaty of Rome would be appropriate for dependent territories in the West Indies, and that association and the alternatives previously offered by the Community would be open to independent Caribbean Commonwealth countries.