asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the trade agreement between the EEC and India.

A commercial cooperation agreement between the EEC and India was signed in Brussels on 17th December. The agreement provides for co-operation in various fields. It provides for the establishment of a joint commission whose task will be to recommend solutions to any trade problems that may arise and to devise methods for increasing economic and commercial cooperation between the Community and India.Her Majesty's Government welcome the conclusion of this agreement, which represents an important step in giving expression to the joint declaration of intent annexed to the Treaty of Accession.