HC Deb 17 November 1970 vol 806 c365W
47. Mr. Deakins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make available to Members of Parliament full details of any proposals for economic and monetary union put forward by the Commission or the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

A translation is in hand of the Commission's recent proposals on this subject; copies will be placed in the House of Commons Library shortly. As to a statement, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) yesterday.—[Vol. 806, c. 336.]

Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government propose to take to protect retirement pensioners and other low-income groups against the immediate impact of membership of the European Communities on the cost of living.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

The Government have made it clear that they will ensure that retirement pensioners and other low-income groups are protected against the adverse effects of any food price increases by means of adjustments of social benefits.