HC Deb 15 February 1966 vol 724 cc1108-9
Q6. Mr. Longden

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is in danger of disintegrating through French policy; and what proposals he has for ensuring the continuance and strengthening of this Organisation which is essential for the defence of the West.

The Prime Minister

I do not share the hon. Member's premise. The rest of his Question does not, therefore arise.

Mr. Longden

Will the Prime Minister agree that the future of N.A.T.O. must very largely depend upon the future of Europe, which, when I put this Question down, was in danger from French insularity, and will he at least take this opportunity of repeating the Foreign Secretary's recent declaration of intent, that "the result we all desire is to bring together the E.F.T.A. and the E.E.C."—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must not make quotations in asking a supplementary question.

Mr. Longden

Perhaps the Prime Minister knows the declaration of intent to which I was referring. Will he, please, repeat it now?

The Prime Minister

I know the declaration of intent. I dealt with it and confirmed it last week in relation to a number of Questions on the Common Market. But, obviously, the hon. Gentleman forgets that the Question he has put down is about N.A.T.O. and not about the E.F.T.A. and Common Market relationship.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Will the Prime Minister say whether he has now come to a decision on any German position within the nuclear committee of N.A.T.O.?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir; this is a matter which is being debated within the appropriate organs of N.A.T.O. The noble Lady knows why there was such a long delay last year which prevented its being debated earlier.