§ Mr. Moateasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what will be the status, precise rôle and function of the United Kingdom representation at the GATT talks in the autumn; if it will be empowered to put forward any viewpoint or proposals in respect of British interests which might not be satisfactorily covered by the Community position; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir G. HoweThe United Kingdom will take part in the negotiations both as a contracting party to the GATT and as a member of the EEC. In accordance with normal practice the Commission will speak at the negotiations on behalf of all EEC member countries on the basis of an agreed mandate. We shall naturally play a full part in the formulation of the mandate and shall put forward our views to our partners whenever the need arises.