HC Deb 15 February 1971 vol 811 cc1189-90
47. Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his meeting with the West German Foreign Minister on Thursday, 4th February.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Royle)

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the Question by the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 11th February.—[Vol. 811, c. 283-4.]

Mr. Mackenzie

In view of the statements which we have read in the Press about off-set costs and the change in the arrangements for paying them in respect of B.A.O.R., will the hon. Gentleman make a further statement on this issue?

Mr. Royle

My right hon. Friend discussed with Herr Scheel future arrangements for meeting the foreign exchange costs of maintaining British Forces in Germany. We also discussed Britain's part in the proposed N.A.T.O. infrastructure scheme. A broad measure of agreement has reached, and the questions will now be pursued by officials.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Will my hon. Friend tell the House a little bit about what may have happened at the meeting with Herr Scheel concerning our position in West Berlin?

Mr. Royle

Of course, the matter of West Berlin was discussed, but the details of the discussions are confidential.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

The Minister said that a broad measure of agreement was reached. Can he give us some more details and say to what extent the Germans have agreed to increase their financial contribution?

Mr. Royle

It is not possible for me to go further at this stage. The matter is now being discussed by officials in Western Germany and in this country.

Mrs. Renée Short

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any progress was made in the discussions about Britain's entry into the Common Market and whether the West Germans are likely to change their tack and give support to his right hon. Friend who is trying so hard to drag us in at such expense?

Mr. Royle

I think that the hon. Lady will wish to know that my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster had a broad discussison with Herr Scheel on matters of common interest involving the negotiations, but I do not think that it would be helpful for me to go into detail on them now.