§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it one of the conditions of British entry to the European Economic Community that the United Kingdom will accept no proposals which 269W would have the effect of reducing her trade with developing countries to the level existing amongst the European Economic Community countries.
§ Mr. RipponHer Majesty's Government believe that as a member of an enlarged Community we can with our partners make a fuller contribution to solving the problems of the less prosperous countries. The Community's imports from developing countries in 1969 were double those of the United Kingdom, and between 1962 and 1969 the rate of increase in the Community's import trade with developing countries was half as large again as that for the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date he received from the hon. Member for West Ham, North a booklet sent to him in connection with the European Economic Community negotiations and what was the nature of his reply.
§ Mr. RipponI received the booklet on 26th April. My reply sets out Her Majesty's Government's position in relation to the Caribbean banana industry which has been made clear in the House on numerous occasions.