HC Deb 25 January 1978 vol 942 cc677-8W
49. Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about progress on the enlargement of the EEC.

Mr. Judd

Progress towards enlargement of the Community is satisfactory. Negotiations are continuing on Greek accession. The procedure under the Treaty has been set in motion to handle the Portuguese and Spanish applications.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that the British people are invited to register their opinion, by means of a referendum, if and when it is proposed to enlarge the EEC by inviting Greece or other countries to join, in the same way as the French electorate was polled prior to the enlargement of the EEC from six to nine members.

Mr. Judd

Greece, Spain and Portugal have already applied to join the Community. The Government have no plans for a referendum on this matter.