Mr Kirk invited to U.K.

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32554, 13 March 1971, Page 2

Mr Kirk invited to U.K.

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, March 12.

The British Labour Party has invited the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) to visit Britain to discuss the Common Market

Mr Kirk said today that, although he hoped he would be able to accept the invitation, a decision would not be made for a week or so. It was an important invitation and would be considered seriously. Mr Kirk said that he had commitments because of Parliament’s sitting next week and possibly into the week after. When the House adjourned he had other commitments in the country. If he went he would also discuss Commonwealth matters, defence, and levies on food imports.

The “political mood” in Britain was changing as far as the Common Market was concerned, Mr Kirk said. When New Zealand’s case was first raised some years ago farming was in a prosperous position, but the economic situation had since changed. The Deputy Leader of the Social Credit League (Mr T. K. Weal), said today he hoped Mr Kirk would "take advantage of the anti-Common Market ground I opened up.” Mr Kirk had said he would not associate with the antiCommon Market protest movements while he was in Britain.

"Does he not realise that if. it had not been for the donkey work done by these organisations, that public opinion would not have moved so solidly against entry?” Mr Weal asked.