§ Q5. Dr. Gilbertasked the Prime Minister what discussion of proposals for closer co-ordination of European economic policies he had in his recent talks with M. Pompidou.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I explained to the House last Tuesday, these talks had to be postponed, but I am in touch with President Pompidou about another date for our meeting.
§ Dr. GilbertWhen the Prime Minister meets the French President, bearing in mind current moves in the Community to narrow exchange rate margins will he make it quite clear to M. Pompidou that there will be no question of this country giving up its right to change its fundamental parities where there are adjustments of some magnitude to be made in the balance of payments?
§ The Prime MinisterOne of the prominent matters to be discussed at our meeting will be monetary developments not only in Europe but in the wider international context. I had better wait to hear President Pompidou's views. But the hon. Member will realise that there is a difference between the narrowing of margins and the right to change the exchange parity.
§ Mr. PagetWill the Prime Minister point out to M. Pompidou that the 252 security of Europe and of Britain depends absolutely on the continuance of the American alliance, and that if that alliance is to continue there will have to be a different attitude towards America?
§ The Prime MinisterIt has always been the position of France that she remained a member of the Atlantic alliance. What she did not support was the organisation and this I believe still to be the position.
§ Mr. AwdryWhen my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister sees the French President will he explain that there are still many Labour Members who support our European policy and that the reason they voted against it the other day was purely political?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that President Pompidou is well informed on these matters.