HC Deb 09 November 1971 vol 825 cc125-6W
Q10. Mr. Atkinson

asked the Prime Minister if the public speech made by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 19th October, 1971, to a conference in London concerning the need for bigger trans-national companies in Europe represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister

Yes. My right hon. Friend explained that, to take full advantage of the Common Market, it was important to create in Europe a climate which would allow companies to grow to their optimum size and efficiency. He also said that the experience of the present Community supported the view that smaller firms would have better opportunities for growth in an enlarged Community.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Q17 and Q20. asked the Prime Minister (1) what method he intends to adopt to obtain the full consent of the electorate to the Government's decision to enter the Common Market; and, as a means of doing this, whether he will arrange for all electors to be issued with a prepaid printed postcard with a voting space to endorse or reject the Government's terms of entry;

(2) whether he will make a ministerial broadcast to explain to the electorate how the Government intend to allow the people of this country to give their verdict on Great Britain's application to join the Common Market.

The Prime Minister

Entry into the Communities has been a major issue in British politics for over 10 years. The 10 days of debate in this House in July and last month, culminating in the decisive vote on 28th October, have provided a full and complete opportunity for the House to judge the matter and reach a decision of principle.

It is the long-established tradition in this country, which we are following, that such decisions should be taken by elected representatives of the people in Parliament. As I stated on television on 27th May, 1970, We will report the whole time to the country through Parliament what is going on in the negotiations; at the end when they see what has been negotiated, Parliament can judge completely as to whether it is in the interests of the country to go into the Common Market or not. I do not therefore intend to adopt the hon. Member's suggestions.