HC Deb 22 March 1971 vol 814 cc23-4
15. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his attendance at the last meeting of the Monnet Committee.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

I attended the meeting of M. Monnet's Committee on 23rd and 24th February as a representative of the Conservative Party. As hon. Members will be aware, representatives of all three parties attend meetings of the Monnet Committee, together with representatives of political parties of member countries of the Six. The meetings provide a useful forum for inter-European contacts. While I was in Bonn, I took the opportunity to meet the Federal German Chancellor and Foreign Minister.

Mr. Marten

Are there not enough forums in the European context? As the Monnet Committee has, as its main objective, the creation of a Federal United States of Europe, has my right hon. Friend made it abundantly clear that the Leader of the Opposition, on whose support he will have to rely if he wishes to get an agreement in this House to join the Common Market, does not support any federal relationship with Europe? In that case, why does he go on attending this Committee, even as a representative of the Conservative Party?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Many views are expressed in the Monnet Committee and outside it about the future political structure of Europe, and that gives us a good opportunity to meet people who have the future general well-being of the European Continent in mind. I would not pay too much attention to the particular resolutions, but the spirit of going into Europe and contributing to European unity is a good one.

Mr. Deakins

Does the attendance of the Foreign Secretary at these meetings of the action committee for a United States of Europe indicate to our friends on the Continent that the Conservative Party, as distinct from the Government, is in favour of a United States of Europe?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

No, Sir. The title of "United States of Europe" is one that I personally would have avoided. I have always said that I do not like labels: "Federal" or "Confederal". What will happen in regard to the political structure of Europe is that institutions will be set up, if there is something of mutual advantage to be done, and that is how we shall proceed.

Sir T. Beamish

Is my right hon. Friend aware that M. Monnet himself at the last meeting made it absolutely clear that the title of the Committee does not necessarily point either to a federal or to a confederal Europe?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

That is so. That is why I think these labels are dangerous.

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