HC Deb 28 May 1970 vol 801 cc486-7W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will list the Ministers with relevant responsibilities for matters connected with Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community.

The Prime Minister:

No. I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend on 30th April.—[Vol. 800, c. 388–9.]

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his discussions with representatives of the Trades Union Congress General Council, on Tuesday, 28th April, on matters connected with Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community; and to what extent he gave pledges concerning the cost of living, prices and social wefare payments and safeguarding trade unions' rights.

The Prime Minister:

My meeting with the Economic Committee of the T.U.C. covered a wide range of questions relevant to our entry into the European Economic Community. I assured it that arrangements would be made to maintain full consultation with the T.U.C., as also with the C.B.I., on the progress of negotiations. I made clear that our aim was to negotiate into the Community on terms under which the increased costs would be outweighed by the advantages accruing from the dynamic effects of entry, including both higher earnings and increased social benefits.

Mr. Judd

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he will call a round-table conference of Prime Ministers of Commonwealth sugar-producing countries to discuss progress on the British application for membership of the European Economic Community;

(2) whether he will propose that the date of the forthcoming Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference should be brought forward in order to ensure fullest possible consultation before the conclusion of Great Britain's European Economic Community negotiations.

The Prime Minister:

No.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to him and to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 4th May. Since then I have been in further touch with all my Commonwealth colleagues over arrangements for consultation.—[Vol. 801, c. 14–15.]