§ Q4. Mr. Boothasked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of Great Britain joining the European Economic Community, he will discuss with the Heads of Government of the European Economic Community countries the development of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation European Defence Improvement Programme.
§ The Prime MinisterI would of course undertake any consultations which might be necessary with other leaders within an enlarged Community ; but the European Defence Improvement Programme was the result of agreement last December between the European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and is not a matter for the Community.
§ Mr. BoothIn that case will the Prime Minister assure the House that if any Minister makes any future statement abroad regarding a development in the European Defence Improvement Programme during the period of his Administration, that statement will be reported to the House? Will he further assure the House that Members will have an opportunity to question such a statement, irrespective of whether the Minister making it is a Member of this House?
§ The Prime MinisterThe full details of our contribution to the European Defence Improvement Programme were given to the House. It is natural for Ministers making speeches elsewhere to comment on this matter in a defence context. I see nothing unusual or wrong in that. The House has been informed about the agreement which was reached. Indeed, it was mentioned in the defence debates.