§ 38. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Aviation what subjects were discussed and what were the conclusions reached at the Conference in Rome this month on the subject of civil and military aviation which was attended by Ministers representing the six countries of the European Common Market and the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Duncan Sandys)The purpose of the Conference was to discuss arrangements for setting up an international organisation, to be known as Eurocontrol, for controlling aircraft flying at high altitudes over Western Europe. Subject to certain reservations by Italy, a draft agreement was approved in principle.
§ Mr. HughesDid the talks include the urgent need for reciprocal arrangements between Britain and other European countries with a view to encouraging not only trade but also education and international understanding?
§ Mr. SandysThe Conference had nothing at all to do with any of those subjects.
§ Mr. G. BrownIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on first hearing the phrase "Eurocontrol" sounds as if it had something to do with kidneys? Will he tell us what Eurocontrol is to control? What power has it got? Is it an international body? Has it powers of supranational being? What is it?
§ Mr. SandysIt is spelt quite differently.