Heath Reports On Brussels Talks

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29838, 2 June 1962, Page 11

Heath Reports On Brussels Talks

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LONDON, -June 1

Britain’s chief negotiator in the Brussels Common Market talks (Mr Edward Heath) told Parliament yesterday that any agreements reached on the solution of individual elements remained subject to over-all agreement.

Mr Heath was reporting on the latest round of negotiations which ended yesterday. Right from the outset Britain had recognised that indefinite and unlimited continuation of free entry in this field might not be regarded as compatible with the development of the Common Market, he said. A member shouted. “It is a sell-out” as Mr Heath explained further details of the agreement. Mr Heath said there would be consultations between the enlarged European Community and Canada. Australia and New Zealand in 1966 and 1969. /

After this date appropriate steps would be taken “in the light of all the circumstances and in conformity with the provisions of the treaty.” Mr Heath said the Brussels negotiators had carried

a stage further the discussion of “the most difficult” question of imports of temperate foodstuffs from the Commonwealth. Britain had asked for a nil tariff for some products, mostly industrial raw materials. In some cases the Common Market representatives had suggested alternative arrangements.

No agreement on membership could be signed until it had been debated in Parliament. but it had always been clearly stated that Commonwealth countries themselves fully recognised that the final decision must rest with the British Government.

All the solutions brought out in specific fields would have to be considered “in the final outline altogether.” Mr Heath said. The House of Commons will debate the Common Market on Wednesday and Thursday next week.