HC Deb 17 June 1971 vol 819 cc615-7
4. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of State for Defence what new forms of working together in defence will need to be developed if the European Economic Community is enlarged by Great Britain joining.

6. Mr. Moate

asked the Minister of State for Defence what strategic defence considerations would arise if Great Britain were to join the European Economic Community.

Lord Balniel

The European Economic Community has no defence responsibilities. These are, and will remain, the concern of N.A.T.O. But United Kingdom membership of the Community would, we believe, give added impetus to European co-operation in defence matters.

Mr. Allaun

As the words in the Question were used by the Minister on 11th March, may I ask him for an assurance that there will be no new nuclear collaboration inside or outside N.A.T.O.? Will he repudiate the proposal made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster yesterday in Paris that there should be nuclear links between French and British forces? Is the noble Lord aware that this would inevitably mean a spread of the bomb and knowledge of nuclear methods beyond France to Germany, which would be catastrophic?

Lord Balniel

The Prime Minister made it perfectly clear, following his discussions with President Pompidou, that there had been no Anglo-French nuclear arrangements discussed as part of our negotiations for entry into E.E.C. or, indeed, in any other context. However, I believe it would be wrong to rule out the possibility of some collaboration some day—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh?"]—but this is not at the moment under discussion.

Mr. Moate

As France does not even participate in our main defensive alliance, which is N.A.T.O., may I ask my noble Friend to confirm that any question of an enlarged Community contributing to the defence of Europe is purely speculative—or is France proposing to rejoin N.A.T.O. as a gesture towards greater European unity?

Lord Balniel

I know of no such proposal. Co-operation in nuclear matters with France must inevitably depend on our establishing a greater identity of understanding in defence matters, nuclear matters in particular, than now exists between the two countries.

Mr. George Thomson

While strongly supporting greater defence co-operation among the European members of N.A.T.O., as initiated by my right hon. Friend when he was Foreign Secretary, may I ask the noble Lord whether he is aware that his final speculative words have caused considerable distress, at any rate on this side of the House? May we have two unequivocal assurances—first, that the Government stand firmly behind the provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty; and, secondly, that no nuclear deals with France are or will be contemplated outside the framework of N.A.T.O.?

Lord Balniel

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that there is no proposal before either of the countries which is outside the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, both France and this country possess nuclear weapons and I believe that, in the long term, it would be wrong for me to rule out the possibility of some co-operation between the two nuclear Powers of Europe.

Mr. Allaun

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.