HC Deb 04 March 1971 vol 812 cc1896-7
Q4. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his official visit to Germany.

The Prime Minister

I am paying an official visit to Germany at the invitation of the Federal Chancellor from 21st to 24th March. I shall also spend a day in Berlin.

Mr. Marten

If by chance during the course of that meeting the question of the Common Market should be raised, will the Prime Minister make it absolutely clear to the Germans that any increase above 3 per cent. in our initial contribution to the Community budget would be regarded as a bit of a defeat, particularly in view of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's very tough speech last month at the Mansion House?

The Prime Minister

I think it not unlikely that a considerable amount of time will be devoted to discussing the E.E.C., and I will have the opportunity of explaining in detail to the Chancellor of the Federal German Republic our attitude about the financial arrangements and how we have come to the proposals which we have put to the Community.

Mr. Thorpe

Since the whole House feels regard and affection for the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten), would the Prime Minister consider taking him on his visit and making him an honorary P.P.S. for the occasion so that he may see at first hand something of the economic growth in Germany, and the high wages and greater social security benefits that are being paid? We may then at least be able to relieve the hon. Member for Banbury of some of the nightmares from which he obviously suffers.

The Prime Minister

While my affection for my hon. Friend is at least equally deep, I know from experience that he is adept at finding out information for himself. However, I am sure that he will have taken the right hon. Gentleman's words to heart and will spend a great deal of time in Europe.