HC Deb 02 April 1958 vol 585 cc1212-5
40. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will make a statement about his recent visit to certain Western European capitals.

Mr. Sandys

At the invitation of the Italian and German Ministers of Defence, I recently paid visits to Rome and Bonn for an exchange of views on defence matters of common concern. At both meetings, one of the principal topics of discussion was that of closer co-operation on research, development and production of weapons and military equipment. In each case, we reached the conclusion that the time had come to bring together the various bi-lateral and tri-lateral arrangements which have grown up during the past year between various European countries, and to put them on to a multi-lateral basis, within the framework of the Western European Union. It was agreed that the opportunity of the forthcoming meeting of N.A.T.O. Defence Ministers in Paris should be taken to put this proposal to the other member states of the Western European Union.

Before this meeting I shall, at the invita1 ion of the French Defence Minister, be having similar discussions with him in Paris.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that information, may I ask him whether he is satisfied that the fullest use is being made of Western European Union, because it would seem that this organisation is becoming of increasing importance to the security of Britain and of Europe as the range of missiles increases and disengagement becomes a possibility?

Mr. Sandys

I agree with my hon. Friend. We should try to make Western European Union more of a reality. I feel that the proposals I have just announced, if they are approved by the other member States, will increase the effectiveness and usefulness of the Western European Union organisation.

Mr. Woodburn

Would the right hon. Gentleman impress on the French and other Governments the desirability of some economic co-operation, since we cannot very well have military cooperation without economic co-operation, which seems to be in jeopardy just now?

Mr. Sandys

I cannot go into the question of Free Trade Areas and things of that kind in answer to this Question. As regards the military aspect, closer co-operation, joint planning and allocation of tasks within the sphere of research, development and especially production will, of course, mean closer economic co-operation.

Mr. Chetwynd

Did the Minister get any satisfaction from the German Government on the question of support costs for our troops in Germany?

Mr. Sandys

Although that is not outside the scope of the Question, I think I have made it clear that that was not one of the subjects on the agenda for our meeting, although it would have been impossible to have a two days' meeting with the German Minister without touching on that topic. This question is now before the N.A.T.O. Council in Paris, and we think that is where it should be handled.

42. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence what was the purpose of his recent visit to Berlin.

Mr. Sandys

I went to Berlin to see some of the British units stationed there.

Mr. Hughes

Did the Minister see the damage which is still very obvious in Berlin? Is he aware of the feeling in Berlin that, if the East and West want to commit suicide, they should commit suicide somewhere other than in Berlin?

Mr. Sandys

There is no desire to commit suicide anywhere. One of the most striking things in going to Berlin by air is the extent of the devastation which still exists on the Eastern side and the extent of the reconstruction on the Western side.

Mr. Hughes

If the Minister went by air, did he not also see that there was considerable construction on the Eastern side?

An Hon. Member

Concentration camps.

Mr. Sandys

I am glad the hon. Member is an admirer of the Stalin Allee.

43. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent he discussed the question of Germany being allowed to manufacture and use nuclear weapons in Western Germany during his recent visit to Germany; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sandys

This subject was not discussed.

Mr. Hughes

When the Minister was in Germany, was he made aware of the great strength of public feeling in Germany against the use of nuclear tactical weapons? Did he by any chance attend the big demonstration at Frankfurt where there was displayed a banner, "Better active than radioactive"? Does he not think that that is representative of the feeling of modern Germany?

Mr. Sandys

As a member of Her Majesty's Government, I shall certainly not comment on public opinion in Germany about a controversial political issue. The hon. Member is as good a judge of the value of demonstrations as I am.