§ 4. Mr. Moyleasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning his official meeting on 19th November with the West German Defence Minister.
§ Lord BalnielThe meeting which my right hon. and noble Friend had with Herr Schmidt was confidential covering a number of defence matters of common interest. The talks were friendly and constructive and contributed to the successful outcome of the meetings of European and N.A.T.O. Defence Ministers on 1st and 2nd December.
§ Mr. MoyleCan the Minister confirm that his noble Friend informed Herr Schmidt that he should tell Herr Ahlers that the United Kingdom attitude towards the support costs of troops in Germany, whether British or American, will be based on the Government's assessment of the interests of the Western Alliance and will not be deflected by any blackmailing pressures about the future of Common Market negotiations?
§ Lord BalnielA statement was made after the meeting with Herr Schmidt. I have nothing to add to that.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsCan my hon. Friend say to what extent these negotiations are proceeding, whether they will be satisfactory and whether we shall be able to ask for a larger sum from the West Germans than that arrived at last year? Will he bear in mind also the fact that the purchase agreements with this country have not turned out to be very satisfactory in the past year?
§ Lord BalnielIt would be wrong for me at this stage to refer to what were confidential discussions between Herr Schmidt and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.