§ Q3. Mr. Duffyasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent official meeting with President Nixon.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 18th January to Questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, South (Mr. Blaker) and the hon. Members for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) and Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun).—[Vol. 829, c. 150–1.]
§ Mr. DuffyIs the Prime Minister aware that a far-reaching protectionist Measure the Hartke-Burke Bill now before Congress, would, if passed, threaten British exports and American investment in the United Kingdom? Did the right hon. Gentleman express to the President his anxiety that no further barriers to trade should be erected between the two countries and his hope that the President will resist any temptation to borrow from this legislation during this election year?
§ The Prime MinisterI agree entirely about the effect of the Bill to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, if it ever became law. I am sure that he will also agree that it runs entirely contrary to the policy of the United States Administration. Naturally, we hope that this is not a Bill which will find its place on the Statute Book.
§ Mr. BlakerDespite differences of opinion on trade matters between the United States and the six European Community countries, did the President confirm to my right hon. Friend that it remains the policy of his Administration to welcome British entry into the Communities?
§ The Prime MinisterThe President confirmed this at Bermuda, and he issued a public statement on Saturday when I signed the Treaty of Accession which again emphasised this point.
§ Mr. Michael FootSince this question was not dealt with by the Prime Minister in his previous statements, will he say whether, at Bermuda or subsequently, he has protested against the renewal of the bombing of North Vietnam by American forces and whether, on this question, he agrees or disagrees with statements which have been made by the French Government?
§ The Prime MinisterStatements made by the French Government are a matter for them. As for Vietnam, the President explained in an earlier statement the purposes of the bombing and how it had been found necessary to carry it out.