European Integration Department

HC Deb 16 November 1970 vol 806 c854

32. Mr. Body

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the functions of the European Integration Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mr. Rippon

It advises my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and other Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers on policy in relation to European integration; the European Economic Community; the European Coal and Steel Community and Euratom; the European Free Trade Association; the Anglo-Irish Free Trade Area Agreement; and economic aspects of Western European Union.

Mr. Body

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those were the functions of the European Department? Is there any significance in the change of name?

Mr. Rippon

No, there is no particular significance.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Integration Department considering alternative initiatives in the event of the E.E.C. negotiations breaking down?

Mr. Rippon

I do not envisage their breaking down.