HC Deb 12 January 1971 vol 809 cc27-8W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the European Economic Community Council of Ministers about proposed price increases to European Economic Community farmers for beef, milk and barley; and what assessment he has made about the effect of these proposed increases on the cost of United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community.

Mr. Rippon

I have no official knowledge of proposed farm price increases in the Communities and I understand that the Commission has so far made no proposals.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to ensure, in the negotiations for United Kingdom entry into the European Economic Community, that the Commonwealth countries of the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Oceans will be offered associate membership.

Mr. Rippon

We continue to seek for those Commonwealth developing countries in the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Oceans for whom we have already requested it, that the options covered by the Community's 1963 Declaration of Intent should be open to them, namely: association under the Yaoundé Convention; other association agreements with mutual rights and obligations particularly in matters of trade; or commercial agreements to facilitate and expand trade between the Communities and these countries.