HC Deb 03 August 1971 vol 822 cc1327-31
Q3. Mr. Skinner

The Prime Minister

About 5,000 since the General Election.

Mr. Skinner

Is the Prime Minister aware that he has now been urged by one of his colleagues to write a letter calling for a General Election on the Common Market? Does he realise that if he did this he would be carrying out the pledges given in the Tory General Election manifesto, that he would be carrying out the wishes of the vast majority of the British people and that, what is more important, he would also be carrying out the wishes of many hon. Members on this side, including the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party, who believe that a General Election should be called?

The Prime Minister

If I wanted any inducement, the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question is the last thing I should want.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Have a number of those letters confirmed that industry as a whole welcomes entry into the Common Market and that it recognises that the larger market will produce great benefits to all sections of the nation in terms of employment and otherwise?

The Prime Minister

The views expressed in the letters vary, but the C.B.I. has expressed its support, from the side of industry, for entry into Europe, and I notice that the chairmen and directors of many firms have publicly stated that that is their position, too.

Q6. Dr. Gilbert

The Prime Minister

After the Ministerial negotiating meeting with the European Economic Community in Luxembourg at the end of June, President Nixon sent me a message of congratulations. In it he referred to the long and consistent support of the United States for enlargement of the Community, and to his belief that the historic decisions reached reflected a determination on the part of all concerned to lead Western Europe to that unity which will permit it to play its proper rôle in world affairs.

Dr. Gilbert

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that detailed reply. May I ask whether he has noticed the recent ominous growth in protectionist sentiment in the United States, in the Administration, in Congress, and in the trade union and management sides of industry? Would he therefore consider calling, if not a full formal conference, at least for informal conversations with our major trading partners to ensure that these developments are reversed as soon as possible?

The Prime Minister

I think the hon. Gentleman's remarks are too wide-sweeping. There has been an increase in protectionist sentiment in certain parts of the United States. This arose in the first instance from the problems of textiles and shoes, not from trade with the Community. The amount of agricultural trade which the United States has with the Community has almost doubled in the last 10 years. I accept that one must do everything that one can to prevent protectionist sentiment from growing. The Community takes the view that after enlargement it would be right to have discussions on this matter, and I think that that is the best way of going about it.

Mr. Selwyn Gummer

Would my right hon. Friend agree that it would be greatly to the benefit of Anglo-American relationships if Great Britain were to make every effort to ensure that she was a strong partner within the unification of Europe?

The Prime Minister

I think that that is not only our view but the view of the President and the Administration.

Mr. Harold Wilson

We have supported the right hon. Gentleman, as he supported us, on all matters affecting the development of industrial protectionism in the United States, but is he aware of the growing feeling in the United States, expressed by members of the United States Cabinet, and most recently in Britain by Senator Humphrey, a former Vice-President, about American reactions to the degree of protectionism in Europe in agricultural matters? Has the right hon. Gentleman studied the statement made by Senator Humphrey in London last Friday, and has he any comments to make on it?

The Prime Minister

I saw the statement by Senator Humphrey. When he was Vice-President, he and the Administration supported the enlargement of the Community. He therefore, as I understand it, has always supported the policy which we are trying to carry through, just as much as does the present Administration. As to protectionism in agriculture, I have stated the increase in American sales to the Community. In the last 10 years, 1961 to 1971 they have just about doubled. The United States also has interests in agriculture and in agricultural support. What one requires is an open association recognising this between the United States and the enlarged Community.

Mr. Harold Wilson

In the message which the Prime Minister received from President Nixon, having regard to recent statements on this question by members of President Nixon's Cabinet, does the President accept the degree of protectionism against the third world, the outside world, be it New Zealand or the United States, which is implicit in the negotiations and is the result of the negotiations for which the right hon. Gentleman is responsible?

The Prime Minister

In the message, the contents of which I have given to the House, there is full support for the enlargement of the Community, and no detailed questions were raised about its agricultural policy. When the right hon. Gentleman talks about the protectionism of the Community, he should remember that its common tariff is lower than our tariff, and that the help that it gives to associated countries is much greater than the help that we are able to give. As far as agricultural protection is concerned, we do it through support prices, and the Community does it through the levy system.

Q9. Mr. Meacher

The Prime Minister

About 5,000 between the General Election and when I answered Question No. 3: but a few more may have arrived since then.

Mr. Meacher

What credible assurances can the Prime Minister give to retirement pensioners and low-paid workers about the cost to them of entry into Europe when the Government's whole pension increase at present is being eroded by price rises even before it is received and when the family income supplement today is worth precisely 4p per week per person entitled?

The Prime Minister

We have given a specific pledge on social service benefits in the White Paper, and it will be dealt with in the biennial review. That review is due to take place in the spring of 1973. Price increases in food resulting from entry into the Community will not be taking place until the spring and summer of 1973.