§ Q6. Mr. Adleyasked the Prime Minister if he will seek to address the European Parliament at an early date after the accession of the United Kingdom to the European Economic Community.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 7th December last.—[Vol. 849, c. 499.]
§ Mr. AdleyWill my right hon. Friend agree that he should seek an early opportunity to discuss with the other Government leaders in the Community the formulation of a strategic policy for some of Europe's major industries such as aerospace so that they may be agreed upon and worked upon and not distorted or thwarted by our industrial competitors outside Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterThe whole question of the industrial base of Europe was discussed at the summit meeting in Paris. There is general agreement among the Heads of Government about this matter. I do not think it is a matter on which I should be expected to address the European Parliament at this stage, but it is one in which we as a nation have considerable interest, as have France, Germany and Italy.
§ Mr. Harold WilsonWhether the right hon. Gentleman makes the address OT not, will he advise or help the House by giving us some guidance on the parliamentary safeguards which still adhere in this House and, having regard to the Common Market rules and decisions, how this House can take steps to ensure that there is not a mass influx from the Common Market of doctors and other professional persons with qualifications quite inadequate in judgment against the rules of this country? Will he tell us how we can prevent that under the deal he has done with Europe?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a matter for the Council of Ministers in its dis- 644 cussions; but if the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues took part in the deliberations in the European Parliament they could use their influence there.
§ Mr. WilsonDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the European Assembly has no powers to deal with this question that this Parliament used to have? The relevant talks are those that he held with President Pompidou and others. Will he tell us whether we have any power to control people coming into this country to exercise professional skills which we do not regard as adequate in the rules of this country?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is a matter for the Council of Ministers on the recommendations of the Commission. If the right hon. Gentleman wants the European Assembly to have influence over these matters, he could better gain that by carrying out his responsibilities and sending a delegation there.