Joining The E.E.C. (6) No Big Loss Of British Sovereignty Yet

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29909, 24 August 1962, Page 16

Joining The E.E.C. (6) No Big Loss Of British Sovereignty Yet

(By a Staff Correspondent)

Much has been made by opponents of the Common Market of the loss of British sovereignty that would result from Britain’s signing the Rome Treaty. No substantial measure of sovereignty can be lost unless and until there is full political union in Europe. Even then, much will depend on whether the Community becomes a tightly-knit United States of Europe or a looser confederation in which nationalism will continue to play a big part. Britain, of course, has already given up a degree of sovereignty by becoming a member of the United Nations—as events in 1956 showed. It gave up more to join NATO., G.A.T.T, and 5.E.A.T.0.; and it will give up some more when it joins the Community. It would lose some powers in the economic field (though it would be able to use certain escape clauses in times of balance-of-payments crises); and the Council of Ministers (of which Britain would be a member) could make rules affecting British industry without Parliament’s being consulted. Britain would automatically be a full member of the European Coal and Steel Community and its High Authority could also make rules affecting British coal and steel production. Trade Agreements

The other major loss of power would be in tariff negotiations. The Board of Trade’s authority would shrink, for all trade agreements between Britain and non-Community countries • probably including the Commonwealth) would be under Community surveillance.

A a member of the E.E.C., Britain would have a Minister, possibly the Foreign Secretary, on the Community's Council of Ministers, and two members on the commissions, with a number of British officials.

At present France. West Germany, and Italy have foui votes each in the Council of

Ministers and Britain would presumably get the same. Belgium and the Netherlands each have two and Luxembourg one. British M.P.’s already sit in the Council of Europe. If Britain joins, they will also sit in the European Parliament.

British courts could be overruled by the Community’s Court of Justice: but it should be emphasised that this could happen only where an infringement of the treaty oi of the Community's rules were involved. Contribution to Budget Britain would be required to contribute to the Community’s budget for assisting and training workers and for assisting under-developed areas of Europe (the South of Italy and Sardinia are examples). and to the development fund for associated territories. These include most of the French Community countries in Africa. It is expected that most of Britain’s dependent territories will become associate members of the E.E.C., and Community funds will assist in their development. Other Monarchies

Much has been made of a threat to the Queen’s sovereignty. Under present arrangements there would be no change. Belgium and the Netherlands are also monarchies and have not been affected. * Foreign policy, defence, domestic affairs, and the police wmuld remain under the control of Westminster, but foreign policy and defence matters are already determined in consultation, at least, with the N.A.T.O. allies. There wmuld be no currency change, unless Britain decided unilaterally to adopt decimal coinage. In any event. Britain would remain master of its own currency. France and Germany have revalued their currencies on their own.

Commonwealth consultation and the periodic Commonwealth Prime Ministers’

conferences would not be affected. Indeed, it is argued that they would be enhanced because of Britain's greater knowledge of and influence in European affairs. Finally, and most important, nothing could be done towards transforming the Community into a full political federation without the consent of all members — including Britain. (To be continued)