§ 33. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what advance he has made in discussions in Paris and elsewhere over the establishment of an Atlantic nuclear force.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)We are in touch with those of our allies principally concerned about beginning multilateral discussions of our proposals along the lines envisaged in the communiqué issued following my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's visit to Bonn last month. I hope that these discussions will begin shortly.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerIs it not becoming more than ever clear that this proposal does tend to sow discord among our allies without even rallying the Left wing of the Socialist Party in this country?
§ Mr. StewartI do not think so. I thought that there was in most quarters of the House a desire that the Atlantic 25 Alliance should work smoothly and harmoniously. These proposals are designed to help that end.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Question asked the Minister what advance he had made. Would riot it have been better if he had said "None"?
§ Mr. StewartNo, I do not think so. As suggested in the communiqué, we expect that these discussions will proceed in the working group.