Discussion on N.Z. case on Dec. 8

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32430, 17 October 1970, Page 2

Discussion on N.Z. case on Dec. 8

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 16. “Substantive discussion” on New Zealand’s case for special consideration if Britain should enter the European Common Market is likely to take place at a Council of Ministers meeting in Europe on December *B, the Minister for Overseas Trade (Mr Marshall) told Parliament today.

Mr Marshall leaves on Sunday for Europe, Via New York, where he will attend a session of the United Nations General Assembly. He made a personal statement to Parliament today about his plans, after an expression of good will from the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk).

Mr. Marshall said his visit to Britain, and European capitals, had been carefully timed on the advice of New Zealand diplomatic representatives overseas, and after discussions with Britain’s chief negotiator with the Common Market (Mr G. Rippon). New Zealand’s case for special consideration had already been clearly identified

by Britain to members of the Six,- Mr Marshall said. Since then, New Zealand, In consultation with the British Government, had prepared, for study by the European Economic Commission in Brussels, a series of factual studies about such matters as production and forward estimates bf trade in dairy products. "It is expected that substantive discussions on the New Zealand position will

take place possibly on December 8 at a meeting of the Council of Ministers,” he said. If the discussion did not take place then it would probably be held in January. New Zealand’s case should be put to Ministers of Common Market countries before they came to the negotiation table in a formal way, Mr Marshall said. “I am concerned not only with butter and cheese, which provide the most difficult problem, but also with lamb, which although not so difficult is just as important," he said. Place for N.Z. His object was to convince the dairy-producing countries of the E.E.C. that even after British entry, there would still be a place in the Common Market for New Zealand’s products. He had been asked to address a joint group from the British House of Commons (members on both sides of the House). Earlier, Mr Kirk had told Mr Marshall that he would be leaving New Zealand on his journey of "vital importance” with the good wishes of both sides of the New Zealand Parliament.

*1 hape your journey will be as successful as it possibly can be, and that what is achieved is in the best interests of New Zealand,” Mr Kirk said.