HC Deb 25 November 1969 vol 792 cc194-6
Q.2. Mr. Henig

asked the Prime Minister what plans he now has for an early meeting with President Pompidou.

The Prime Minister

Although there are no plans at present, I look forward to meeting President Pompidou before too long.

Mr. Henig

May I express the hope that this meeting will not be further delayed? In view of reports of a change of attitude in France about British entry into the Common Market, does not my right hon. Friend think it now time for frank and full discussions with President Pompidou about the major issues involved?

The Prime Minister

In this case it is a meeting with a Head of State, not a Head of Government. I think that my hon. Friend will feel, on reflection—as I am sure it is President Pompidou's feeling— that these are matters first for discussion within the Six. President Pompidou and other Heads of State or Heads of Government will be meeting early in December for summit talks. It is right to see how those go before jumping to any premature conclusions.

Mr. Tapsell

Does the Prime Minister accept that if he and President Pompidou cannot agree on anything else, at least they have one thing in common: they have both presided over the devaluation of their national currencies?

The Prime Minister

In view of what he said, I am not sure that the hon. Member's words, which I think are aimed more at me than at President Pompidou, are designed to help relations with France. There are other things in common. Having been Prime Minister for many years, President Pompidou has just received the acclamation of his country for a further period of office.

Mr. Prentice

Will my right hon. Friend take an early opportunity to congratulate both President Pompidou and Herr Brandt on the fact that both France and Germany are devoting more than 1 per cent. of their gross national product to overseas aid? How soon does he expect it to be before he is in a position to receive similar congratulations?

The Prime Minister

I welcome my right hon. Friend's question, although no one knows the figures as well as he does. He used to supply me with them. He also knows that in the international league table, which I quoted recently, Britain stands very high indeed. I understand that Germany has intimated that she intends to increase her programme by a very substantial percentage. We have nothing to be ashamed of in this country. As for our future programme in relation to the U.N.C.T.A.D. or Pearson 1 per cent., I have already told the House that we expect to be able to make a statement to the House in a very short time.