asked the Taoiseach if he has been informed by the British Government of the outcome of the recent visits by the British Prime Minister and the British Foreign Secretary to the Government of the Six; and if he has any statement to make on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Ministers' Visits to EEC Countries.
2.
The British Government have kept me closely informed of the discussions which the British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have had so far with some of the member Government of the Six. As this information has been supplied on the basis that it be treated as confidential, I am not in a position to make a public statement at the present time.
Can the Taoiseach give any indication as to when he thinks he will be able to make a public statement?
There are at least two visits outstanding by the British Prime Minister and his Foreign Secretary. I think they will take place in the next two or three weeks. Some time after that, I hope to have another consultation with Mr. Wilson and, about that time, I hope it will be possible to make a public statement.
The Taoiseach indicated that he proposes to circulate a further White Paper in connection with our entry into the Common Market. Will it be issued before or after the statement?
I do not think it will depend on that statement. The White Paper will have its own intrinsic value without any statement from me.
When will the Taoiseach circulate the White Paper, then?
In a matter of weeks.
Before the Budget? It will obviously be of considerable importance in relation to the Budgetary proposals.
It is possible that it will.
May we take it that every effort will be made to ensure that it will?
I am pressing very hard to ensure that it will be published quickly.