HC Deb 24 May 1962 vol 660 cc667-8
Q2. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Prime Minister what matters he intends to discuss with General de Gaulle; and whether he will inform him that Her Majesty's Government will not depart from the commitments to the Commonwealth, with particular reference to the safeguarding of Commonwealth exports of food and raw materials, in order to secure Britain's entry to the European Economic Community.

Q7. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Prime Minister which issues he proposes to discuss at his meeting with General de Gaulle next month.

The Prime Minister

I expect that we shall have a general review of the problems which concern our two countries. As regards Commonwealth interests, I would refer to what I said in reply to a supplementary question by the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Pentland) on Tuesday.

Mr. Stonehouse

Has the Prime Minister's attention been drawn to widespread reports that General de Gaulle will ask for the provision of nuclear secrets? Is it the right hon. Gentleman's intention to provide nuclear secrets to France as part of the price for our joining the European Economic Community? On Commonwealth exports, may I ask whether it is the right hon. Gentleman's intention to insist upon Commonwealth countries having comparable and permanent safeguards for their goods in Europe?

The Prime Minister

On the second part of that supplementary question, I refer the hon. Member to the statement made in the House by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on 16th May, a detailed note on which he circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As for the first part of the supplementary question, I am not responsible for newspaper reports.

Mr. Allaun

But could not the Prime Minister give the House an assurance that there will be no agreement with General de Gaulle to provide him with nuclear information in exchange for an easing of the terms of entry into the Common Market?

The Prime Minister

My discussions with General de Gaulle will be confidential and I do not wish to be drawn into this or that statement. The hon. Member knows, of course, the terms upon which British nuclear information has been obtained from the American Government.