HC Deb 25 March 1971 vol 814 cc211-2W
Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have now been held with the Common Market countries about the position of the Channel Islands if Great Britain was to join the Common Market, particularly as regards the constitutional and taxation problems; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rippon

We have not yet dealt with the position of the Channel Islands in our negotiations with the European Communities.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now state whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to allow the future of sterling as a reserve currency to become part of the official negotiations for British entry to the European Economic Community.

Mr. Rippon

We have at the suggestion of the Six agreed to talks with the Community on sterling in the context of discussions on economic and financial questions. The Community has made it plain, in its formal statement at the opening of the negotiations on 30th June last year, that these are to be discussions not negotiations. I would refer the hon. Member to the views on the reserve role of sterling which I expressed in the debate on 21st January, to which I have nothing to add.—[Vol. 809, c. 1406.]

Mr. Warren

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether or not Great Britain will be allowed to retain her current limits of territorial waters for the exclusive use of British inshore fishing fleets if Great Britain enters the Common Market.

Mr. Rippon

Accession to the Treaty of Rome will not affect the delimitation of British territorial waters. If we join the Communities, fishing rights in British waters, and in waters of other Member States of the enlarged Communities, will be governed by whatever common fisheries policy is in force at the time. Certain details of the policy of the present Community are still being formulated. Pending a detailed examination of the national and regional implications of this policy, which includes contacts with the Commission of the Communities, Her Majesty's Government has reserved its position on it.