I.C.I. Chairman On Britain And E.E.C.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29469, 22 March 1961, Page 19

I.C.I. Chairman On Britain And E.E.C.

"TM Press" Special Service

WELLINGTON, March 18.

Britain is not likely to become a full member of the European Economic Community. said the chairman of 1.C.1., Ltd., England (Mr S. P. Chambers) in an interview in Wellington. There was a body of opinion in France, Germany and Italy which viewed the present trading arrangement as a step towards federation. But Britain would never go into the Common Market with the idea of political integration—she would not become part of the political system of Europe, at least in the foreseeable future. Trade barriers would inevitably come down, but New Zealand should not be adversely affected by steps Britain would take. Commonwealth Ties Britain’s policy was to retain her ties with the Commonwealth and she had no intention of doing anything

to its detriment.

“For example, we would not be prepared to admit produce from Holland free of duty and charge duty on the corresponding products from New Zealand and Australia," said Mr Chambers. While New Zealand had her problems, she was essentially a sound country—“ a country we like”—without the racial or religious problems encountered in certain other areas. New Zealand’s difficulties were certainly not insoluble.