The great debate
Sir: I must take issue with the statement made in your leader of November 6 that the forecast of a 4-4i per cent growth rate makes the economic argument for joining the EEC a spurious one. This shows a remarkable misunderstanding of the economic case for entry. This has never rested on the proposition that the British economy will in some mysterious way ' catch' high economic growth from other countries. Any advantage that we may get from association with fast-growing economies is essentially subsidiary to the fundamental benefit which we will gain from being part of an economic environment more conducive to long-term prosperity than our present situation. Within the Community, British industry will have the opportunities of a fast growth of trade, of greater rationalisation leading to economies of scale, and, above all, of increased investment. Investment is crucial to the health of any industry and on the health of our industries depends the well-being of this country's economy. Outside i he Community we run the very serious risk of seeing investment destined for Britain being drawn away into the Continent by industries that wish to expand and yet find the only way to do so is by setting up in Europe.
Ken neth Davies
2 131acklake Close, Egham, Surrey
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