§ 1. Mr. Ridleyasked the Lord Privy Seal what negotiations he is conducting with the European Coal and Steel Community with a view to closer association between the Community and the United Kingdom.
§ 32. Mr. Pentlandasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will state Her Majesty's Government's intentions on future negotiations with the European Coal and Steel Community and Euratom.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Edward Heath)It is the Government's desire to maintain consultation and co-operation with these two Communities, and the existing arrangements provide a basis on which this can be done.
§ Mr. RidleyDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that this is an instance in which we could have actual participation, if we could only get closer to the Coal and Steel Community? Will he open conversations to try to achieve a greater degree of co-operation in the interests of our eventually joining Europe?
§ Mr. HeathThere is a Council of Association between ourselves and the European Coal and Steel Community which is still in existence. The question of the arrangements for the next meeting of this Association are now under consideration. The meeting of the Council with Euratom has already been arranged for 20th May.
§ Mr. PentlandWould the Lord Privy Seal tell the House whether any agree- 686 ment has been reached between the Government and Euratom whereby France would be supplied with plutonium from this country? If such an agreement has been reached, will he explain to the House what method of inspection has been asked for by the Government in order to ensure that this plutonium is used for civil purposes and not for military purposes by France?
§ Mr. HeathIf the hon. Member puts down a detailed Question on that point, either I or my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power will give him the full answer.