HC Deb 12 December 1972 vol 848 cc226-7
Q1. Mr. Molloy

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to pay an official visit to New Zealand.

Q12. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if he will now seek to pay an official visit to New Zealand.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 5th December.—[Vol. 847, c. 399.]

Mr. Molloy

Is the Prime Minister aware that his former assertion that New Zealand was in favour of Great Britain joining the Common Market under his terms have been utterly confounded by the recent general election results? Should he not now think again? Does he not agree that it would be in the interests of Britain, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries if he visited such countries to give them the assurance that although we may be joining the EEC it is not the Government's intention to desert the Commonwealth—an assurance which they deserve in view of the loyalties which they have shown us in the past?

The Prime Minister

It is well known in New Zealand that this country will not desert the Commonwealth. Mr. Kirk has already renewed the invitation to me to go there which was given to me by Mr. Marshall. I have said that when it is possible to find a suitable date of course I shall be very glad to go. In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, Protocol 18 of the Treaty of Accession, which deals with many matters affecting New Zealand, is under discussion in Brussels at this moment; it was discussed yesterday and today, and we have taken the views of the New Zealand Government into account.

Mr. Dalyell

On the Pacific nuclear tests, is not the British Prime Minister now in the position of having to say to Mr. Kirk, "Even on a matter on which my Government may feel very strongly, I really have no influence with President Pompidou." Is not that the position?

The Prime Minister

That is not the position. The position of this Government is the same as that of the previous Government. It is well known that both Governments wanted France to adhere to the partial test ban treaty. That has been the position of both Governments, and it is well known to the Government of France.

Sir Gilbert Longden

If some hon. Members opposite are anxious about the effects which our joining the Common Market may have on New Zealand, is not that an additional reason why they should attend the European Assembly?

The Prime Minister

That is but one of a number of powerful reasons.