§ 53. Mr. Healeyasked the Lord Privy Seal to what extent Her Majesty's Government was consulted concerning the speech of the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Parliamentarians' Conference on 21st November.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Edward Heath)Her Majesty's Government were not consulted.
§ Mr. HealeyIs the Lord Privy Seal aware that great concern as well as great interest was shown in the House at the report of this speech in Paris? While there was considerable sympathy for General Norstad's view that there must be political control of the use of atomic weapons in the alliance, there was a very strong feeling on this side of the House about his other proposal that intermediate range missiles should be put as tactical weapons under General Norstad's command on the Continent? When are the Government going to break their deafening silence on this question and give us their views on a matter of 29 great concern, not only to this country but to the rest of the alliance?
§ Mr. HeathThis Question concerns Genera I Norstad's views, and he put these views forward in his capacity as Supreme Commander, Europe. He did not consult Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. HealeyIs it not the case that General Norstad is responsible to this Government, as well as to the other fourteen N.A.T.O. Governments? When are Her Majesty's Government going to speak up for Britain in this alliance?
§ Mr. HeathGeneral Norstad is responsible to the N.A.T.O. Council, consisting of fifteen Governments, and he expresses his views as the personal views of the Commander-in-Chief.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWill the Minister consult General Norstad and tell him that there is widespread anxiety about this speech, and that, if he wishes to make any such pronouncements in future, it would be just as well that he should get in touch with Her Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. HeathHer Majesty's Government will have an opportunity to express their views in the N.A.T.O. Council.