§ Q2. Mr. James Davidsonasked the Prime Minister what provision he has made to represent the special interests of Scotland in the course of negotiations for United Kingdom entry to the European Economic Community, in view of Scotland's status as an equal partner with England under the Treaty of Union of 1707.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the Answer which I gave on 6th June to a Question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell).—[Vol. 747, c. 189.]
§ Mr. DavidsonHas the Prime Minister considered that General de Gaulle's apparent reluctance to allow the United Kingdom's entry to the European Economic Community might not, in part at least, be due to his suspicion of English nationalism and, in particular, to the traditional, historic rôle that England has played in keeping Europe divided? If Scotland were permitted to play a more significant rôle in the negotiations—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That supplementary question is, I think, long enough.
§ The Prime MinisterUnfortunately, in my talks with General de Gaulle we did not get on to the question of the Auld Alliance but to questions of our future. It would seem from some of the interruptions just now that some hon. Members are not keen to have separate Scottish entry to the Common Market. But, as I have said in a previous Answer, we shall see that the interests of Scotland are fully represented in the discussions.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIn any negotiations such as are mentioned in this Question, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the great advantages which flow to north-east Scotland from its close association—historical, family and otherwise—with Scandinavia?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. This is fully recognised, and, of course, the decision of Scandinavian Governments to apply for entry shows that they attach the same importance to this as does my hon. Friend, and the same determination that their interests shall be safeguarded by negotiation or otherwise.