EFTA: The Least Bad Option

Abstract

Throughout the period under discussion, and particularly in these early stages of policy development, British public opinion with regard to Britain’s trading relationship with Europe featured very rarely as a matter of ministerial concern - except, perhaps, for its proposed utilization as a threat with which to frighten the US and the Six. As far as particular interest groups were concerned, ministers were cognisant - especially as a general election loomed - of the concerns of farmers. They were also mindful of the interests of British industry, though this was more from the standpoint of Britain’s overall economic well-being than for reasons of direct electoral appeal. The low-key treatment of the question by the serious press and its virtual neglect by popular newspapers owes much to the fact that it had not yet been politicized - that is to say that, as a predominantly commercial issue, it was of very little interest to the general public. Even if the government had sought to do so, it would have been hard-pressed to conjure up much public interest in Britain’s quota and tariff arrangements with European countries.