asked the Taoiseach if there have been any developments concerning the application of this country to join the European Economic Community; and whether he has been informed by the British Government of any recent developments concerning the application of Britain to join the European Economic Community.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of EEC.
1.
In reply to the first part of the Deputy's question, I would refer him to the reply I gave on 8th February to questions on the European Economic Community which indicated the position as of that date. Since then, there have been visits to the EEC Commission by the Minister for Industry and Commerce, the Minister for Labour, and by officials. The White Paper on the European Communities will shortly be presented to the House.
As to the second part of the Deputy's question, the British Government have kept me closely informed on a confidential basis of developments in relation to the tour of the capitals of the Six by the British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary. As this tour has been completed, I expect, as previously arranged, to have a further meeting with Mr. Wilson in the near future.
Can the Taoiseach say if the proposed White Paper will indicate the actions it is proposed to take or merely recount the events which have occurred since a similar document was last issued?
It will cover in essence the latter part of the Deputy's supplementary.
Am I to take it that our application is dependent on whether the British make application to enter or not? In other words—may I put it more clearly—if the British do not make an application to join the Common Market, do we or do we not continue our application?
It is unlikely we would make an application in that event, but we will have to look at the situation, if and when it arises.
Would the Taoiseach not consider that that is a somewhat likely situation to arise?
I do not consider that at all.
Is the true position not that we are waiting on the outcome of Britain's efforts? Whatever happens to Britain, we hope the same will happen to us. If they are accepted, we go in; if they are not, we do not.
We are a sovereign, independent Government, and we will make up our minds in the light of events.
You are not going to go it alone, are you?
I am not suggesting our decision will not be influenced by what happens to Britain.