HC Deb 21 March 1972 vol 833 cc1339-40
Q7. Mr. Molloy

asked the Prime Minister when he expects a definite date to be announced for the proposed meeting of Heads of Government of members and applicant members of the European Economic Community.

The Prime Minister

I cannot say when a definite date will be announced, but it is generally agreed that this meeting will be held in the second half of October.

Mr. Molloy

If M. Pompidou allows him to, will the Prime Minister raise at that meeting the question of the difficult situation which might arise over some of the contracts and arrangements now existing between E.F.T.A. countries which might become E.E.C. countries? Will he try to iron out all the difficulties which will arise when they will not be able to honour some of the treaties which they have signed? Britain could be put in such a situation.

The Prime Minister

We all hope that the negotiations with the E.F.T.A. countries will have been completed by the time the summit is held. As the hon. Gentleman knows, negotiations are going on at the moment in which we have endeavoured to be as helpful as we can, although we are not actually a party to the negotiations.

Mr. Lane

Is it not obvious to everyone except the carpers on the Opposition benches that, on the foundation of today's excellent Anglo-French and Anglo-German relations, this can be a great decade for Europe and that much of the credit for this prospect is due to the steadfast European policies of the present Government?

The Prime Minister

I agree with my hon. Friend. I am glad that he has emphasised that Anglo-German relations are equally good. We look forward to the visit of the Chancellor of West Germany in a month's time.

Mr. Lipton

Between now and October, is the Prime Minister going anywhere in particular?

The Prime Minister

I shall be going on an official visit to Denmark in June, but that is the limit of my overseas travelling plans at the moment.