§ 15. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Lord Privy Seal what proposals are under discussion in Western European Union to 585 raise the maximum permitted tonnage of German naval vessels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeathAs I explained to the hon. Gentleman on 23rd November last, the proceedings of the Western European Union are confidential. This matter is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. AllaunWill the Minister give the House an assurance that the Government will stop encouraging this step-by-step removal of all the restrictions on the regrowth of German militarism and, in particular, the proposal to raise to 5,000 tons the maximum size of Germany's destroyers, which would allow them to carry missiles?
§ Mr. HeathAs the House knows, the Federal German Republic is a member of N.A.T.O. and it is right that any proposals which it makes should be considered in the Western European Union. I am also quite certain that it is to the best advantage that the discussions should take place confidentially between allies.