HC Deb 09 November 1972 vol 845 cc1188-90
Q3. Mr. Adley

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the coordination between the Attorney-General and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry regarding the creation of a common legal framework for European industrial co-operation; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. The Summit meeting in Paris agreed that a programme of action should be decided by 1st January, 1974, with the aim of establishing a single industrial base for the Community. This would include the adoption of a European company statute.

Mr. Adley

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Is he aware that a Dutch aerospace company and a German aerospace company recently had to form five separate companies to try to overcome the difficulties of a truly European company framework within the present diverse set-up in Europe? Does he therefore agree that the first priority should be to attempt to harmonise tax and trading laws within Europe so that we may see the emergence of truly European companies?

The Prime Minister

There is widespread recognition that these changes are necessary if Europe is to develop its full economic potential and improve the standard of living of its peoples to the utmost extent. One of the first priorities in that respect is to have a company law which will enable such companies to be formed without the sort of difficulties that my hon. Friend has mentioned. This will undoubtedly be for the benefit of those who work in them, as well as improving the economic resources of Europe.

Mr. Thorpe

While awaiting the outcome of the creation of the legal framework referred to in the Question, and within the context of the 90-day period of standstill which the Prime Minister has sought, will he consider the experience of Holland in having guaranteed minimum earnings for workers, and of West Germany in having mandatory works councils and real participation of workers in the running of their businesses?

The Prime Minister

We examined the new agreement made in the Netherlands with the full co-operation of the trade unions. There is an element of legal enforcement in that agreement, as we understand it. It is very interesting, in that it gives a threshold arrangement of a slightly different kind from that which we proposed, together with an improvement in the real standard of living of the workers—between one half of 1 per cent. and 1 per cent. This was much less than was offered in the Downing Street talks.

Q4. Mr. Skinner

asked the Prime Minister what plans he has to participate officially in the European Economic Community celebration, Fanfare for Europe, early in 1973.

The Prime Minister

I look forward to attending a number of the events.

Mr. Skinner

The Prime Minister should be ashamed of himself. Can he tell us how the British people can celebrate a national disaster in the middle of a wages freeze?

The Prime Minister

They will certainly be prepared to celebrate the opportunities of improving their real living standards, which is what the country wants.

Mr. Marten

May I ask my right hon. Friend to look at one aspect of the Fanfare for Europe? Without wishing to be divisive on the issue, but realising that, whether my right hon. Friend likes it or not, the country is divided on it, will my right hon. Friend ask Lord Mancroft and Lord Goodman to consider the question of using the churches to celebrate something which some people, rightly or wrongly, regard as somewhat of a slight propaganda exercise?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend is wrong to regard it as a propaganda exercise. It is a genuine collaboration of the cultural resources of the countries of the Community. As I have said before, those who are concerned with the arts in all their forms are rejoicing that we should be able to entertain in London and in the towns of the country so many of the most distinguished European creative artists during this period. Surely, where a great cathedral or church chooses to place itself at the disposal of such a festival, it is not the Government's responsibility to try to prevent it. If my hon. Friend is thinking of the particular case of Coventry Cathedral, I would tell him that Coventry Cathedral has been well known for many years for having had a continued series of European events. This must be a matter for the church and the cathedral concerned, and I hope that no one will crab them.