§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Prime Minister what representations he received on the subject of the European Economic Community from the Co-operative Movement, following the Special Co-operative Congress held in London on 4th September, 1971; what reply he has made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey RipponI have been asked to reply.
Letters were addressed to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister by the Parliamentary Committee of the Co-operative Union and the Political Committee of the London Co-operative Society. Each called on Her Majesty's Government to appoint a Select Committee to study the implication of Britain's entry into the European Economic Community. Replies explained that the place for Ministers to justify their policies on a major issue is the Floor of the House and that much of Parliament's time has been and will be devoted to this.