§ 17. Mr. Footasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when this House will be informed of the fresh commitments on the European Continent undertaken by Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's reply on 30th November.
§ Mr. FootIf, referring to the earlier reply, new commitments have not yet been made, is not it the case that both in the Belgian Parliament and the French Parliament arguments have been used suggesting that the British Government have entered, or are willing to enter, into new agreements? Why should these matters be discussed in those Parliaments and no report be made to the House of Commons?
§ Mr. LloydMy right hon. Friend dealt with that matter in his answer on 30th November. So far as the references in the Belgian Parliament are concerned, M. van Zeeland did refer to "tendencies" and at the moment, as has been said, negotiations are proceeding. The Government propose to act in accordance with precedent with regard to such negotiations and to conclude them before announcing them to this House.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman say categorically whether the United Kingdom Government have entered into any fresh commitments in relation to the creation of the European Defence Community. Is not it desirable that the House should know about these commitments?
§ Mr. LloydThe answer is that negotiations are still proceeding. When they are concluded the results will be announced.
§ Mr. ShinwellYes, but before an announcement is made to the House, on which the House can have a debate if it wishes, is not it desirable for us to know whether we are being committed in respect of our Forces on the Continent further than existing commitments?
§ Mr. LloydThe right hon. Gentleman will be told what commitments have been made when negotiations have been concluded. Any negotiation obviously involves a degree of commitment on both sides.