HC Deb 16 June 1969 vol 785 cc20-1
24. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has now been made in preparation for the renegotiation of the Nassau Agreement.

Mr. Whitlock

I would refer my hon. Friend to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) on 30th January.—[Vol. 776, c. 1520–21]

Mr. Jenkins

Is it not the case that in 1964 the Labour Party's election manifesto said—and this was to be Government policy—that it was proposed to renegotiate the Nassau Agreement? As five years have elapsed, will my hon. Friend now at least undertake that the proposal will be made?

Mr. Whitlock

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 30th June, our intention, at the appropriate time, is to carry through the renegotiation. The President of the United States was so informed by my right hon. Friend in 1967. The timing of the renegotiation depends on various matters—for example, the state of the discussion in N.A.T.O. on nuclear matters, and other factors that would be conditioned by the circumstances of the time.

Mr. Marten

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is that sort of statement which makes everybody distrust the present Government?

Mr. Paget

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Prime Minister explained to the House that what he meant by "renegotiation" was "denegotiation"? Has anything happened about de-negotiating the Nassau Agreement?

Mr. Whitlock

As I have indicated, when the right time comes and when conditions are appropriate, we intend to carry through this renegotiation.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Is not the position that before the 1964 General Election the Prime Minister rejected the Polaris submarine and that just before the next General Election he will be claiming it as his own?

Mr. Jenkins

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, and as a protest at the absence of the Foreign Secretary, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Speaker

Order. Notice must be given in the conventional form.