HC Deb 21 January 1971 vol 809 cc338-9W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the European Economic Community Council of Ministers is insisting that the United Kingdom must accept the European Economic Community common fisheries policy.

Mr. Rippon

Her Majesty's Government are at present examining the detailed national and local implications of the Common Fisheries Policy with a view to formulating a position.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he proposes to discuss the provision of assistance to United Kingdom farmers, under the terms of the European Economic Community's common agricultural policy, before or after the current negotiations are concluded.

Mr. Rippon

The operation of the Community's Common Agricultural Policy as it would affect British farmers will be discussed in the context of the transitional arrangements for British agriculture. This would not exclude Her Majesty's Government subsequently, in the event of accession to the Communities, from raising matters of concern to British farmers.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to discuss with the European Economic Community Council of Ministers the Government's reservations about the common fisheries policy.

Mr. Rippon

There has so far been no substantive discussion with the European Economic Community Council of Ministers of the Common Fisheries Policy, on which Her Majesty's Government have reserved their position.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the Government accept that signing the Treaty of Rome implies a commitment to political unity in an enlarged European Eoconomic Community.

Mr. Rippon

Accession to the Treaty of Rome does not carry any specific commitment to political unity. We have received and commented on the Davignon Report and participated in the meeting of Ten in Brussels on 2nd December. Progress in this field will be by negotiation in which, if we become members of an enlarged Community, we will play our full part.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in the negotiations for the entry of the United Kingdom into the European Economic Community, he will seek to ensure that the British Steel Corporation can continue to operate without major changes in its size as a steel producer and in its structure as a publicly-owned industry.

Mr. Rippon

We regard the size and structure of the British Steel Corporation as a matter for Her Majesty's Government.