§ 51. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the conference of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Parliamentarians; and to what extent it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to accept its recommendations.
§ Mr. George ThomsonHer Majesty's Government consider that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Parliamentarians Conference, to which they give financial support, provides a valuable opportunity for discussion between Parliamentary representatives of the members of the Atlantic Alliance. Although the conference has no official standing, we take careful note of its recommendations.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs my right hon. Friend aware that although they have been talking for several years allegedly about defence, all that has happened is a constant deterioration in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and in relations between France and some of the countries in N.A.T.O.?
§ Mr. ThomsonIn fairness, I do not think one should hold the Parliamentarian members of this Assembly responsible for any changes in the arrangements with regard to N.A.T.O. Her Majesty's policies are well known. I can only regret that my right hon. Friends' responsibilities and preoccupations in this House prevent them playing a more active part in some of these Assemblies.
§ Mr. John HyndWill my right hon. Friend confirm that there has not been some sign of deterioration in the work and the relationship with the W.E.U. as there appears to have been in the N.A.T.O. Parliamentarians Council?