HC Deb 29 February 1972 vol 832 cc249-50
Q3. Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Prime Minister if he will invite the Prime Minister of New Zealand to pay an official visit to the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

Although there are at present no specific plans for him to come here, Mr. Marshall knows that he is always a welcome visitor to this country.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Prime Minister aware that Mr. Marshall has recently made a most vigorous protest about the intolerable treatment handed out by Mr. Smith to the Todds. Does he not feel that he might copy Mr. Marshall's example and issue a similar protest in suitably tough and abrasive language pointing out that the way Mr. Smith is behaving towards the Todds and others is quite appalling, and is contrary to the feelings of people in this country?

The Prime Minister

That is a matter between the Prime Minister of New Zealand and Mr. Smith. Mr. Marshall very kindly sent me a copy of the letter which he was sending to Mr. Smith, which was a courtesy between two Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth, and no doubt Mr. Smith will reply to Mr. Marshall.

Mr. Crawshaw

There is a point of confusion which should be resolved with New Zealand. It was announced in their Parliament that the interim agreement with the Community would be renegotiated by a majority decision, whereas it has been announced in this House that it would be by a unanimous decision. Which is the correct interpretation? If the right is given to one country to veto new negotiations and to bring an agreement to an end it could be fatal for the New Zealand economy.

The Prime Minister

There must be some misunderstanding by the hon. Gentleman. Mr. Marshall said: First, the decision is to be taken not on the continuity of our trade, which is assured by the Protocol, but on the exact quantities of New Zealand butter which can be sold under the special arrangements after 1977. Secondly, this decision must be taken unanimously. Those are Mr. Marshall's words.