BRITAIN IN E.E.C. Negotiations Ahead of N.Z.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31215, 12 November 1966, Page 3

BRITAIN IN E.E.C. Negotiations Ahead of N.Z.

(New Zealand Press Association>

WHANGAREI, November 11.

Much negotiation and detail planning would be required to reach new trading arrangements satisfactory for New Zealand if Britain entered the Common Market, the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall) said at Kerikeri todav.

The next few years would be of great significance for New Zealand’s trade, he said. “It emphasises the need for New Zealand actively to follow up the plans the Government prepared for safeguarding New Zealand’s interests after my visit to the Common Market countries in June and July.

“The announcement by Mr Wilson also stresses the value of the new trade agreement between Britain and New Zealand giving us unrestricted access to the British market until 1972 and free access for the next three years.

“This firm agreement gives New Zealand a strong negotia’ing position.”

New Zealand would place great reliance on the assurances which were given by Mr Wilson and other Ministers during the British election in March, and also during his visit, that the British Government would safeguard New Zealand’s vital interests in the event of Britain joining the Common Market, said Mr Marshall. “The announcement also emphasises the importance of the assurances I obtained from Ministers of the Common Market countries that they recognised New Zealand’s special place in the British market, and understood that special arrangements would have to be made to ensure the continuity of that trade.”