asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he expects consideration by experts in the United Kingdom to be completed on the EEC document relating to the supply of raw materials to the Community, involving a combination of private and State enterprise in the exploration and development of new mineral resources in less developed countries.

The document sets out the Commission's preliminary views only. Recent discussions in the EEC have concentrated on raw materials in the context of relations with developing countries. Further documents, which will soon be laid before Parliament, include proposals for industrial co-operation with developing countries in the raw materials field.