HC Deb 18 May 1972 vol 837 cc688-9
Q5. Mr. Adley

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement following his recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium.

Q7. Mr. Meacher

asked the Prime Minister what discussions of defence matters he had with the Belgian Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister

I was very pleased to welcome M. Eyskens to London on 2nd May. We had a full discussion of the future of the enlarged Community, with particular regard to the European summit conference in October. The details of our talks must remain confidential.

Mr. Adley

I am grateful for that answer. Notwithstanding the most encouraging fall in unemployment figures today, is not the example of Belgium and the Common Market to be most welcomed? I think I am right in saying that in the five years after Belgium joined, there was simultaneously a dramatic increase in the growth of gross national product and a dramatic fall in unemployment. Is not this country's best hope for the future growth of employment to follow the example of Belgium?

The Prime Minister

I agree with my hon. Friend's general thesis. It is true that the growth of the gross national product in Belgium between 1965 and 1970 was more than twice that of the United Kingdom during that period. But, even so, the growth in France and Italy was greater and the general average of the Community was higher.

Mr. Meacher

When the Prime Minister has discussions on defence matters with EEC leaders, is not it clear that his purpose in seeking the repeal of the McMahon Act and an end to the restrictions on the supply of United Kingdom atomic information is only to share it with France? If that is so, is not that blatantly contrary to the non-proliferation treaties to which Britain was a signatory?

The Prime Minister

This was not a matter which I discussed with M. Eyskens.