§ 58. Mr. Forthasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the benefits to the people of the United Kingdom of Spanish accession to the European Economic Community; and on what institutional, financial and economic conditions the United Kingdom will support Spanish accession.
§ Mr. RifkindThe United Kingdom has given consistent support to the principle of Spanish and Portuguese accession, which we believe to be important for the consolidation of democracy and stability in Europe. In acceding to the Community, Spain will be accepting the rules and regulations of the Community — the acquis Communautaire. Detailed negotiations on transitional arrangements representing a fair balance between the interests of the member states and of the applicant countries are still in progress.