HC Deb 11 May 1950 vol 475 cc587-9
The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a short statement with regard to the French Government's proposals for the integration of French and German coal and steel production, in which I am sure the House is very much interested.

It is the declared policy of the Western Powers to promote the entry of Germany as a free member into the comity of European nations. The French proposals are designed to facilitate that process and must consequently be regarded as a notable contribution towards the solution of a major European problem.

The proposals also have far-reaching implications for the future economic structure of participating countries; and this aspect will require very careful study by His Majesty's Government and the other Governments concerned. His Majesty's Government will approach the problem in a sympathetic spirit and desire to make it clear at the outset that they welcome this French initiative to end the age-long feud with Germany and so bring unity and peace to Europe.

Mr. Churchill

Will the Prime Minister consider giving an opportunity for Debate on this subject, if possible before we separate for Whitsuntide? It seems to be one on which the House should be entitled, not necessarily immediately, but after some consideration, to express its views and opinions.

Mr. Clement Davies

Before the Prime Minister replies, might I endorse what the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill) said, and say what I was about to say earlier? So often, these matters of vast public importance are Debated outside in the newspapers before the House has an opportunity of expressing its opinion. Therefore, will the Prime Minister provide the earliest opportunity for this House to discuss the matter?

The Prime Minister

I think that probably it will be realised that it is a little early for me to give a definite reply at the moment. I should like to look into that very carefully. The matter should be discussed through the usual channels to see just how things are going and how this matter can be arranged most conveniently for the House, and in the public interest.

Mr. Churchill

I do not wish to press the Government at all on the immediate or actual date. I do not at all mind this matter being forestalled by discussion in the public Press. That is very healthy. But I hope that I may assume that the Prime Minister will give us the facilities for a Debate on this matter, if possible before we leave for the Whitsuntide Recess.

The Prime Minister

I do not want to tie myself down to a specific date at the moment. On the general principle, I agree that this is an important matter which should be discussed. I am quite sure that it would be best to discuss the matter through the usual channels.

Mr. Churchill

It is a little more than the usual channels, because we are bringing the Prime Minister into it himself.

Mr. Harold Davies

Might I draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to the fact that I had on the Order Paper for today a Question on this very point. It was left over to Monday in order to give him and the Foreign Secretary an opportunity for full discussion with M. Schuman before any precipitate reply was made in this House. May I, therefore, ask whether, when this Question comes up on Monday, I shall be told to refer to the Prime Minister's statement of today?

Mr. Eden

I should like to ask one question for clarification in view of some of the comments made already in the Press of more than one country. Is it not clear from the statement of the French Government that the integration contemplated is open to other nations in Western Europe than France and Germany?

The Prime Minister

So I understand.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Could the Prime Minister make available, if not by White Paper at least by putting copies in the Library, the full text of this communiqué which I understand he has received?

The Prime Minister

I will consider that. I understand that the full text has been published, but I will consider whether it is useful to lay a White Paper.

Mr. Churchill

With great respect, we feel very strongly that we should have the text before us. Of course, if it has been published in the newspapers we do not wish to press for the expense of printing a White Paper; but are we to have the full text before us or not?

The Prime Minister

Yes, certainly, but this is a question of considering whether a statement which has, I understand, been put out very fully in the public Press, is necessarily to be circulated as a White Paper before it has been considered whether or not any comments, and the rest, should be put out with it. Sometimes, it may be a waste of time. I will certainly consider in what way we can assist the House best in this matter.

Mr. Churchill

With very great respect, we are entitled to the text. We are entitled to see what has been said. I really ask the Prime Minister to make sure that we get the text. Of course, if it has been given to the Press, we do not want to waste money on printing and paper; but, if not, we ought to have it as a Parliamentary Paper.

The Prime Minister

I agree.