HC Deb 25 November 1971 vol 826 c437W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment to what extent Great Britain's entry into the Common Market will affect the future of employment in Lincoln.

Mr. Dudley Smith

I know of no reason why Lincoln should not share in the benefits which the Government believe will result from membership of an enlarged Community.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment in view of the fact that the latest figure of registered unemployed, together with the unregistered, now total almost one million, whether he will advise the countries of the Six that Her Majesty's Government cannot agree to entry into the Common Market whilst the rate of free entry of workers from the countries of the Six allowed to come to Great Britain to take employment positions continues.

Mr. Dudley Smith

No. Membership of the E.E.C. should not significantly affect the number of workers moving between the Six and the United Kingdom. Workers in the Communities would be unlikely to seek work in any country in which unemployment is high.