COMMON MARKET

Press, Volume C, Issue 29501, 1 May 1961, Page 13

COMMON MARKET

Talks On U.K. Part Sought (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright.) STRASBOURG. April 29. The general affairs committee of the Western European Union last night unanimously recommended the W.E.U. ministerial council to start talks for an agreement for Britain to join the sixnation European Common Market The recommendation now will go to the W. E. U. Assembly—representing Britain and the “Six”—which will meet in London on May 27. In Bonn yesterday, the West German Economics Minister, Professor Erhard, said he expected Britain to enter the Common Market, followed by Denmark. He did not say when. In London. British officials today cautioned against growing press speculation that Britain had already decided to join the Common Market. They were commenting on a report in the "Daily Telegraph” that Britain had taken such a decision.

Officials recalled a statement by the Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) last Tuesday that he did not think Britain "ought to rush” a solution of the future relationship between Britain and the Common Market.

Mr Macmillan is known to think that the problem should first be tackled—as it is being done —in a series of bilateral talks between Britain and some major members of the "Six.”