HC Deb 26 March 1962 vol 656 cc829-30
7. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has studied Recommendation 69 passed by the Assembly of Western European Union concerning the state of European security; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Godber

I have read the recommendation with interest. Since it is very detailed and covers a large variety of different subjects, I do not feel that it would be useful or indeed possible to make a general statement about it.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Would my hon. Friend agree that point 3 of the recommendation, dealing with the pooling of technical and industrial resources with a view to general standardisation, would be of great advantage to this country within the N.A.T.O. Alliance?

Mr. Godber

I agree that this article to which may hon. Friend refers, as well as certain other of the articles, is indeed important. We should like to give it further study.

8. Mr. Scott-Hopkins

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has studied Resolution 19 passed by the Assembly of Western European Union concerning the situation in Berlin; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Godber

I have noted this resolution, which is encouraging evidence of the solidarity of the Western European Union Assembly on the issue of Berlin.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Can my hon. Friend assure us that we are taking full advantage of this resolution with the member countries of the N.A.T.O. Alliance, and is he convinced that they are pulling together at the moment?

Mr. Godber

Yes, I think I can say that we are satisfied. Of course, there are difficulties and problems in regard to the different nuances of this matter, but this sort of resolution is indeed very helpful.