EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (Singapore membership)

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Finance whether Singapore has applied, or intends to apply, for membership in any form of the European Economic Community.

Dr Goh Keng Swee: Mr Speaker, Sir, the answer to the first part of the question is no.

As regards the second part of the question, I should like to say that at this stage it would be premature to indicate whether the Government intends to apply for membership in any form of the European Economic Community. This is because the British Government had only on 9th August applied formally to the E.E.C. to open negotiations with a view to acceding to the Treaty of Rome. I understand that such negotiations are complex and are likely to take some considerable time. Meanwhile the issue is still in doubt and there is no certainty that the United Kingdom will accede at the end of the negotiations.

It is only if Britain becomes a member of the E.E.C. that the question of

Singapore's associate membership can be properly considered.

Mr David Marshall: Would the Minister indicate whether he is, in fact, liaising with the Federation Government on this aspect of Singapore's economic policy? Are we keeping in step with them, Sir?

Dr Goh Keng Swee: On matters of such importance, the two Governments would consider together.