European Community Membership

HC Deb 30 April 1975 vol 891 cc173-4W

Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the consequences for the Welsh tourist industry of withdrawal by the United Kingdom from the EEC.

Mr. John Morris

I have already made clear my views of the disadvantages to Wales of leaving the EEC.

Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assess- ment of the consequences for the Welsh economy of possible withdrawal by the United Kingdom from the EEC.

Mr. John Morris

In my view, withdrawal would involve an unacceptable risk to the prosperity of Wales.

Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has met representatives of the National Farmers' Union and the Farmers' Union of Wales to discuss the effects on Welsh agriculture of leaving the EEC; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Morris

No. The Government's recommendation is that the United Kingdom should remain in the EEC and I am satisfied, for the reasons set out in our recent White Paper "Membership of the European Community" (Cmnd. 5999), that it is to the advantage of Welsh agriculture to do so.