EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (Hansard, 9 November 1971)

§ Q2. Mr. Molloy
asked the Prime Minister, what discussions he proposes to have with Heads of Government of European Economic Community countries.

§ The Prime Minister
Following the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Six and the four applicants which my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary attended in Rome last week, it is clear that all agree that there should be a meeting in 1972 of Heads of Government of the Community and the applicants, and that all should participate in its preparation.

§ Mr. Molloy
Is the Prime Minister prepared to consider initiating a meeting much earlier, and to inform the Six that Britain will not be a soft touch for any contribution to the Commission's financial problems; that we are not prepared to be a push-over in accepting the V.A.T.; that there are many of our traditional parliamentary values that we will not surrender; and that much of what happened a week ago in this House is only the beginning of a very big debate, and not the end of it?

§ The Prime Minister
The result of the debate is well known to the House. The arrangements for entry into the Community have been published and fully discussed. As to having an earlier meet- 824 ing, I do not think that that would be possible. I referred to 1972, which, after all, is only two months away, and no particular month in 1972 has yet been fixed.

§ Mr. Rost
When the Prime Minister meets the European Ministers, what will he do to repair the damage to Britain's prestige caused by the undignified and degrading antics of the Leader of the Opposition?

§ Mr. Milne
When the Prime Minister talks about arrangements for entry having been completed, is he aware that only as recently as today we are told that there has been a breakdown in the fisheries talks? When the right hon. Gentleman talks about 1972 and a meeting of the Heads of Government in Europe, does he not realise that that gives him an opportunity to discuss with the British people the question of entry into Europe?

§ The Prime Minister
A Ministerial meeting is taking place today, and my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will report to the House in the usual way on Thursday.