§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the internal political constitution of applicant states is taken into account by Her Majesty's Government in considering their policy towards the admission of states to full membership of the EEC; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindAll relevant factors are taken into account by the Community in considering its policy920W towards the admission of states to full membership of the EEC. They include the preamble to the treaty establishing the European Economic Community, which calls on other European peoples who share the ideal of strengthening peace and liberty to join in the efforts of the member states. In the case of Spain and Portugal, their return to democracy and a wish to help strengthen it were important considerations in the Community's decision to open accession negotiations.