§ 68. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, from the progress so far made in negotiations for Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, he is satisfied that the Highlands and Islands Development Board should continue in existence in giving the type of assistance now offered after Great Britain's entry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RipponWe see no reason why our present regional policies, including the operations of the Highlands and 99W Islands Development Board, should be affected by the Treaty of Rome. After entry, our regional policies will, of course, be subject to examination by the Commission of the European Community under Article 93 of the Treaty of Rome.
§ 69. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how far the problems of urban development and pollution have figured in Great Britain's negotiations for entry into the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. RipponNeither subject is amongst those specified for negotiation in Her Majesty's Government's opening statement to the Community (Cmnd. 4401). The Treaty of Rome exerts no influence on urban development. Certain selected pollution problems are already under discussion with members of the European Economic Community in the meetings of the so-called Cost group in which Her Majesty's Government take an active part.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from the progress so far made in negotiations for Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, if it is yet certain that tapering charges for freight and other assistance in keeping down the cost of transport in areas such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland will be permissible after entry.
§ Mr. RipponDomestic charges for freight are not an issue in the negotiations as there is no Community regulation which controls charges which may be imposed by carriers engaged in domestic transport.