HC Deb 28 May 1971 vol 818 cc251-2W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money is to be spent by the Foreign Office on information leaflets, etc., in the attempt to inform the British people that joining the European Economic Community will benefit Great Britain.

Mr. Rippon

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, Southwest (Mr. Powell) on 27th May.—[Vol. 818, c. 219–20.]

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if European Economic Community associated status for Commonwealth developing countries means that they have a guaranteed outlet within an enlarged European Economic Community for products covered by the common agricultural policy of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Rippon

The terms of the association arrangements for Commonwealth countries for which the alternatives in the Community's 1963 Declaration of Intent has been renewed remain to be negotiated.

With the exception of sugar, which is to be the subject of separate arrangements, the agricultural commodities exported by these countries are not in general covered by the Commonwealth Agricultural Policy.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what differences there have been of interpretation between the United Kingdom and France regarding the recent agreement with the European Economic Community on sugar.

Mr. Rippon

I am not aware of any differences in interpretation of the assurance proposed by the Community on sugar. It was reaffirmed in the final paragraph of the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the recent discussions between the President of the French Republic and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.—[Vol. 818, c. 48–9.]