HC Deb 13 July 1970 vol 803 c120W
65. Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in the negotiations with the European Economic Community, he will seek to amend Article 240 of the Treaty of Rome.

Mr. A. Royle

No.

67. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why, during his negotiations for Great Britain's entry into the European Common Market, he will not make the retention of the present system of imperial preference a prerequisite for Great Britain's consideration of the terms of entry.

Mr. Anthony Royle

Membership of the European Economic Communities in principle involves the application of the common external tariff to imports from other countries, including Commonwealth ones. It would not be compatible with this principle for an individual Member State of the Community to grant tariff preferences.