§ Q8. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied that there has now been a full and adequate national debate upon the proposed British accession to the European Economic Community which will enable the House adequately to represent the wishes of the nation in reaching a decision of principle; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. Entry into the Communities has been a major issue in British politics for over 10 years. In the last four months it has been discussed extensively on radio, television and in the Press, at party conferences, at a variety of meetings including conferences of trades unions and employers' organisations, and wherever two or three people are gathered together. I believe that these discussions, together with the 10 days of debate in this House in July and October, are sufficient to enable the elected representatives of the people to reach a decision this evening.
§ Q12. Mr. Pavittasked the Prime Minister what steps he took to ascertain the views of the people of Great Britain before asking Parliament to decide to accede the Treaty of Rome.
§ Q13. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the steps taken fully to consult the people before Parliament decides on signing the Treaty of Rome; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Gentlemen to the Answer I gave to a Question from the lion. Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Molloy) on 26th October.—(Vol. 823, c.307.)
469W
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister if he will invite Herr Brandt to the United Kingdom for talks on the possibility of a European security conference and British entry to the European Economic Community.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no specific plans to do so, but I shall continue to keep in close touch with Herr Brandt and other European leaders on these matters.