HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 c343W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will specify the benefits he expects Commonwealth developing States will receive from association with an enlarged European Economic Community which they do not have at the present time.

Mr. Rippon

The benefits available to the majority of developing Commonwealth countries will depend upon the decision they take on the alternatives open to them by the Community's renewal of its 1963 Declaration of Intent, and upon their ensuing negotiations with the enlarged Community. Developing Commonwealth countries choosing association under the re-negotiated Yaoundé Convention may expect exemption from the Common External Tariff of the enlarged Community exemption from levies unless otherwise provided in a Community regulation under the Common Agricultural Policy and the opportunity of benefiting from aid provided by the European Development Fund. These countries will also have the right to participate in the planning of the enlarged Community's trading policies with them. Developing Commonwealth countries not covered by the 1963 Declaration of Intent have the possibility of trading agreements with the Community.