HC Deb 13 February 1969 vol 777 cc1565-7
Q4. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister when he next proposes to visit the Prime Ministers of the Common Market countries.

Mr. M. Stewart

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend is at this moment in Germany for discussions with the Federal German Chancellor and he has no plans at present to visit other Heads of Government of Common Market countries.

Mr. Marten

But, in the meantime, does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be totally wrong for us to seek to isolate France by creating new institutions without her? Is not this virtually what the Government are trying to do by holding this meeting under Western European guise, from which France is being isolated?

Mr. Stewart

No, Sir. It has never been our desire to isolate the French from any of these discussions, but we have had to take the view that we cannot abstain from any kind of co-operation in Europe solely because the French are not able to come with us.

Mr. Henig

Accepting that there is no chance of Britain's entry into Europe without the agreement of France, should not a very high place now be given on his right hon. Friend's agenda to the highest possible level meeting with the French Government?

Mr. Stewart

It is true that no nation can enter the E.E.C. without the agreement of all those who are already in. Although it is the French objection which blocks our entry, this is not a matter solely for bilateral discussions between the French and ourselves. This is something which affects the whole of Western Europe.

Sir C. Osborne

As the French Government show no sign of withdrawing their opposition to our entering the Common Market, would not it be more dignified if we were to withdraw our application, and stop seeking to get in on our knees?

Mr. Stewart

I do not think that that makes sense. The decision by this House to seek entry to the Common Market was taken after very full debate, and by an overwhelming majority of the House, and for solid reasons. Those reasons are still valid.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Would not it be more constructive to invite the Common Market Prime Ministers for a lengthy stay here, so that they and their camp followers can enjoy the advantage of lower food prices, and we can discuss here the need for a West German signature to the non-proliferation treaty?

Mr. Stewart

There are a great many channels through which we can, and do, keep in touch with the Governments of all the Common Market countries, and, as I said, my right hon. Friend is at present in Germany discussing these matters and the ones to which my hon. Friend referred with the German Chancellor.

Mr. Heath

On the question of political discussions, can the right hon. Gentleman clear up what the Prime Minister failed to elucidate last Tuesday, and that is the question of the real position about the discussion on the Middle East situation? Is it not a fact that this was on the agenda for ministerial discussion, but that no discussion took place? What were the British Government hoping to achieve by having it discussed at a lower level in London at a separate meeting which would obviously embarrass the French?

Mr. Stewart

The matter was down for ministerial discussion at Luxembourg, and was discussed, but, as I said, in the Luxembourg discussions the time for discussing this matter was so limited that we felt there would be an advantage, in view of the forthcoming Four Power meeting, to have a fuller opportunity to consult our friends in Europe. I can see no reason why this should isolate the French. We would welcome their participation in this.