asked the Taoiseach if he has noted the impending visit of the French Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to London for the purpose of holding bilateral discussions between the two countries relative to the possibility of the UK entering the Common Market; and if he will comment as to whether such discussions are likely to have any impact on the present position relative to this country's application to the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
1.
I am aware of the forthcoming visit to London of the French Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, but I feel it would not be appropriate for me to speculate as to the likely outcome of the visit or its possible impact in so far as European Economic Community membership is concerned. Reports on the London discussions will, of course, be studied with the closest interest.
Would the Minister not agree that these discussions are preliminary discussions by the United Kingdom and France in relation to entry into the Common Market? Would he be able to inform the House if our Government have now or at any time have had any preliminary discussions whatsoever with regard to our application to join the Common Market.
I do not think it would be appropriate to speculate on the outcome.
I am asking if we have had preliminary discussions of any sort with regard to joining the Common Market.
We have had many discussions over the years, since we applied, with all the Governments of the Six and with all the European countries not members of the Six.
Have we had those discussions at ministerial level recently?
We have had many discussions with Ministers in all these countries.
Recently?
Recently, yes.