§ Q9. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister to what extent during his recent discussions with the President of France he informed M. Pompidou of the state of British public opinion in relation to entry into the European Economic Community; and what was his reply.
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§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a supplementary question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) following my statement on 24th May.—[Vol. 818, c. 40–1.]
§ Q10. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister what further plans he now has for visits to the leaders of countries within the European Economic Community.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans for further visits. The Prime Minister of Italy is to visit London from 27th to 30th June.
§ Sir D. Walker-SmithQ12 and Q13. asked the Prime Minister (1) whether his discussion on unanimity with M. Pompidou included agreement on an initiative to amend Article 148 of the Treaty of Rome; and whether, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, such amendment is a condition precedent to Great Britain's entry to the European Economic Community;
(2) whether his discussion with M. Pompidou on the respective rôles of the Council and the Commission of the European Economic Community included agreement on an initiative to amend Articles 155 and following of the Treaty of Rome; and whether, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, such amendment is a condition precedent to Great Britain's entry to the European Economic Community.
§ The Prime MinisterMy discussions with President Pompidou led to a complete identity of view on the working and the development of the Community. Apart from the need to amend Article 148(2) of the Treaty of Rome to reflect the membership of an enlarged Community, amendment of the Articles of the Treaty of Rome relating to the Commission and the Council of Ministers is not a pre-condition of British entry.
§ Mr. Templeasked the Prime Minister whether, during his recent discussions with the French President, the position of the British Monarchy in an enlarged Community was discussed.
§ The Prime MinisterThis was not discussed. Membership of the European 227W Economic Community will not affect the constitutional position of the Monarchy. Three member States of the present Community are monarchies, and in an enlarged Community of ten there would be six monarchies.