HC Deb 26 February 1968 vol 759 cc932-4
20. Mr. St. John-Stevas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has received from the Benelux Governments; and what action he intends to take on the proposed Benelux plan to link Great Britain with the European Economic Community.

Mr. George Brown

The Benelux proposals for closer integration in Europe were formally transmitted to Her Majesty's Government on the 19th January. We have accepted these proposals and we are in close touch with the other Governments concerned about the next steps.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Because of the plethora of plans, are we not in danger of falling between three stools? Would not the best plan for the Government be to call an early conference of interested nations to discuss details of the Benelux proposals?

Mr. Brown

The Benelux proposals and the much more recent Italian memorandum, which I had only over the weekend and which seems in many ways to reinforce and go along with those proposals, will be discussed at meetings which are to be held in the very near future. The Franco-German declaration is exceedingly vague and I am not clear how significant in all this it is, but we are ready to look at proposals made in each as soon as we receive them. Contrary to the hon. Gentleman, I think the way in which things are moving offers hopes which will lead to steps which in turn will lead to a wider membership of a more integrated Community.

Mr. Henig

Will my right hon. Friend take care in these consultations not in any way to attempt to drive a wedge between France and her partners in the European Community, and will he also bear in mind that the Franco-German entente is one of the most hopeful developments in Europe since the war?

Mr. Brown

I have no interest whatever in trying to divide France from her partners or France from Germany or the other way round. There would be no point in trying to join a widened European Community if we had succeeded in destroying the Community first. It is no part of our policy to do that. On the other hand, we must pursue our objectives in what we regard as our interests, and others must be as clear about our interests as we are about theirs.

Mr. Maudling

As the Franco-German proposals could be of very great significance, would the right hon. Gentleman take positive steps to ensure that clarification is available to Her Majesty's Government as soon as possible?

Mr. Brown

I find it very hard to know on what the right hon. Gentleman can base his first assertion, because there are no proposals. There was a declaration but there are no proposals. However, I have certainly been in touch with the Dutch—the Dutch Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were here last week—with my German colleague and with the French and the Italians, and have made perfectly plain that we should like to see what this means in terms of proposals so that we can see whether they are significant and whether we can help with them and turn them into realities.

28. Mr. Henig

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consideration he has given to the possibility of temporary association under Article 238 of the Treaty of Rome between the United Kingdom and the European Economic Community.

Mr. George Brown

We have, of course, looked into the possibility of some form of association with the European Economic Community. But I have consistently made clear the difficulties which would attach to any form of relationship with the Community which fell short of full membership.

Mr. Henig

Does my right hon. Friend realise that his answer will give some disappointment to friends of this country inside both the E.E.C. and the European Free Trade Association? Further, is he aware that what is being suggested is simply that he look at the possibility of a temporary form of association, during which period Britain and the E.E.C. could harmonise their policies in a variety of fields, with a view, in the end, to the aim which he desires?

Mr. Brown

I hope that I have not given disappointment to any of my friends; I often do to others. On the question of association, my hon. Friend must, with respect, take into account that any form of arrangement which left us with obligations but no rights or powers to influence what happens, and then the need to enter at some later date on terms which we had not ourselves influenced, would seem to me to have nothing to commend it to the country at all.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that, if the French and German Governments were to come forward with proposals for a free trade solution embracing the European Community and the countries which apply for membership, Her Majesty's Government would welcome such a proposition?

Mr. Brown

Had we not better wait to see whether they come forward with anything, and, if they do, what it is?