§ Q2. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Prime Minister when he hopes to be able to announce the date of his official visit to Bonn.
§ The Prime MinisterI am considering my programme of visits for next year and hope to be able to announce the dates of my visit to Bonn before long.
§ Mrs. ShortThat is not a very illuminating reply. Does the Prime Minister intend to discuss with Chancellor Brandt the recognition of the German Democratic Republic either before or after his visit to Bonn, and will he make the announcement before or after his visit?
§ The Prime MinisterThis matter obviously depends on a number of factors, many of which are of great concern to the Federal Republic. It is being discussed by the members of the Western Alliance now meeting in NATO in Brussels.
§ Mr. Norman LamontDoes not the decision of the Labour Party not to send representatives to the European Parliament show that the party secretly agrees with the opinion of Herr Brandt that the terms of Britain's entry are not renegotiable? If one were serious about renegotiating the terms, would it not be logical to use all the influence available to one within the institutions of the Community?
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend is right. As is well known, I regret any decision which may be taken not to attend the European Parliament. I hope that it is still not too late for a decision to be taken that all parties represented in the House shall take part.