§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the recent visit of the West German Foreign Minister, Herr Walter Scheel; and to what extent discussions concerning Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community took place.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleHerr Scheel paid an official visit to this country from 4th284W to 6th February. There was a very useful discussion on a number of current problems, including negotiations for Britain's entry into the European Economic Community. There was a wide measure of agreement.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is aware that, since his last published details of price comparisons between the countries of the Six and Great Britain, there have been changes; and whether he will publish an up-to-date list of the price of one pound of rump steak, one dozen standard eggs, one pound of best bacon, a two pound loaf, one pound of sugar and one pound tin of peaches in Bonn, Brussels, Paris and London.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleNo. Exact comparisons of retail prices are in any event not possible due to differences in product definition, quality and systems of distribution.
§ Miss Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, under the existing provisions of the Treaty of Rome, Commonwealth workers in Great Britain would have to register as citizens of the United Kingdom before they would be acceptable as community workers within the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleDiscussions with the Communities on the categories of British subject which would be entitled to benefit from the provisions of the Treaty of Rome on the free movement of labour are not complete.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with other countries seeking membership of the European Economic Community concerning possible changes in the fishing policies of the European Economic Community; with whom were the discussions held; and if a common approach was agreed.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleHer Majesty's Government take a close interest in the attitudes of the other applicant countries to the common fisheries policy of the Community. We are in contact with them on matters of mutual interest. Her Majesty's Government have reserved their position on the common fisheries policy.
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§ Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of Her Majesty's Government's intention that Great Britain should join the European Economic Community, he will take steps to co-operate with the Commission to agree a legal basis for the establishment of a European Company, as distinct from those covered currently under separate national legislation.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleWe intend to play a full part in the realisation of measures of this kind if we join the Community.