The Assembly,
Recalling its Resolution 101, in which it welcomed the study by 0. E. E. C. of the possibility of setting up a free trade area around the proposed customs union of the Six and expressed the hope that as many Member States of the Council of Europe as possible might join such a free trade area if they were not able to join the proposed Customs Union;
Noting the expressed wish of the United Kingdom Government that such a free trade area should exclude, as far as the United Kingdom is concerned, foodstuffs, feeding stuffs, drink and tobacco;
Noting the important part played by these commodities in intra-European trade and their particular significance in the economy of certain member countries of 0. E. E. C;
Believing that the total exclusion of this sector of trade might, consequently, create a serious obstacle to the participation of some Member States in the free trade area and therefore to the success of the proposal as a whole;
Fully conscious of the imperative need for the United Kingdom to maintain its economic links with Commonwealth countries,
Recommends that the Committee of Ministers consider ways and means by which the development of freer trade between European countries can proceed on lines such as may enable member countries to participate on a basis of reciprocal advantages for all sectors of their economies, and, in particular, to examine ways by which agricultural exporting countries can look forward to an expansion of their markets in the food-importing countries; and
Invites the Committee of Ministers to report to the Assembly at the next session of the Assembly as to what action it has been able to take on this Recommendation.