§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what political and economic benefits will accrue to the European Economic Community following the entry of Portugal and Spain to the Community.
§ Mr. RifkindThe benefits which the Community will derive from Spanish and Portuguese membership are above all political—the consolidation of democracy and political stability in Europe. It is impossible to quantify precisely the economic consequences. Portugal and Spain will be of less than the average Community level of prosperity, and will be likely to be net beneficiaries from the Community budget. Against this, the Community as a whole will benefit from the removal of Spain's high tariff barriers and the addition of 47 million people to the internal market.