HC Deb 15 April 1965 vol 710 cc1664-5
Q7. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Prime Minister what progress he has made since his recent visit to Bonn with his efforts to obtain from the German Government binding commitments to offset the foreign exchange costs of British troops in Germany.

Mr. Bowden

The further discussions between my hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Federal German Finance Minister which were agreed in the course of my right hon. Friend's recent visit will take place in Bonn on 10th and 11th June.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that over a month ago the Prime Minister told us that this was to be regarded with a new urgency, and can he tell us where the sense of urgency has gone? Will he suggest to his right hon. Friend that he would be better employed attending to this than in issuing bromides on the other side of the Atlantic?

Mr. Bowden

I am sure that the last comment the hon. Gentleman makes is not acceptable by the country as a whole. On his earlier point, we appreciated that it would have been better had we been able to meet earlier. There were certain difficulties and we could not possibly arrange an earlier date. It has now been fixed.

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