asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Australia about Great Britain's future within the EEC.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Australia about Great Britain's future within the EEC.

During their visits to this country, in December 1974 and February 1975 respectively, the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand were given a full account of our renegotiation aims.

Does my right hon. Friend feel that the Prime Ministers will share the satisfaction of most of us at the considerable success achieved in the renegotiation of the treaty? Will he comment on the prospects for New Zealand in the 1980s, and may we have some sort of reassurance on that issue?

Both Prime Ministers have properly made it clear that the renegotiation of our terms of entry is a matter for the British Government, Parliament and the people of this country. Although there have been references in the Press about their view, I must point out that they have not given me any official indication of their view on these matters.

Shilly-shallying.

No— preserving the constitutional position. As regards the situation of New Zealand after 1980, I refer my hon. Friend to my remarks a few moments ago. That matter will come up again for discussion. When he reads the terms of the declaration issued yesterday, he will see that there is the intention that New Zealand, while continuing to diversify her trade, should be able to maintain close links with this country.

In view of Mr. Trudeau's recent remarks, are not the Prime Ministers of the three old Commonwealth nations now unanimous in the view that they would prefer to see Britain remain a full member of the Community? Did the Foreign Secretary give to the Prime Ministers an undertaking that he and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will campaign to ensure that a result is achieved which those old Commonwealth countries want to see.

The hon. Gentleman can interpret their views as he thinks fit, but it is for them and not for me to give their views on this subject. He will no doubt put on them his own interpretation. As for the second part of the question, they would have regarded it as counterproductive to have made such a request and would not have had any kind of reply.

Am I not right in believing that, internationally, almost the only opposition to our entry comes from Russian and the Communist bloc?

And Scotland.

I do not know about those countries, but I seem to have heard complaints nearer at home.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that exports last year from Britain to the old Commonwealth were higher per head of population? Will he do what he can to see that they remain our best customers?

I hope that is true. If so, it would show that, whatever the merits or demerits of the EEC, our membership has not prevented that kind of expansion.