HC Deb 16 December 1968 vol 775 cc848-9
4. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress with the Harmel proposals for European co-operation.

38. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further preparations he is making for a meeting of European Prime Ministers for advancing European unity in fields not covered by the Treaty of Rome.

Mr. Mulley

M. Harmel's proposals for advancing European unity in fields out side the Treaties of Rome have been the subject of recent exchanges with a number of Governments in preparation for further discussion at the next Ministerial meeting of Western European Union on 6th and 7th February.

Mr. Marten

Does that Answer amount to "No"? Has there been any progress at all? The Question asks for a statement on progress. It was 10 weeks ago that these proposals were made. Can the right hon. Gentleman enlighten us as to what progress has been made, particularly on the proposal to increase co-operation in monetary affairs?

Mr. Mulley

It was clear at the end of the previous W.E.U. meeting, where M. Harmel made these proposals, that the next definitive step would be a further discussion at the next meeting of Western European Union. In the interval between the two meetings, officials of many countries are concerned in working out their proposals. It was never envisaged that there would be further meetings before that I have announced for February.

Mr. Mayhew

Have not the prospects for a meeting of the type referred to in Question No. 38 improved a little recently? For example, is there not evidence that the Germans would be willing to attend such a meeting? Will my right hon. Friend say plainly that the Government support the idea?

Mr. Mulley

I think that my hon. Friend is referring to a suggestion for a Meeting of Prime Ministers. As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said at The Hague, while we would welcome this proposal, there would be no point in organising such a meeting until we could have a conference that could produce results. Until the further meeting in the context of Western European Union, which we believe to be the right context for these discussions, it would be too soon to organise such a conference.