HC Deb 06 March 1973 vol 852 cc231-2
Q5. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his visit to Germany.

The Prime Minister

I had talks with the Federal German Chancellor on 1st and 2nd March during my official visit to Bonn. We discussed a wide range of subjects including currency matters, the implementation of the programme laid down at the Paris summit and Community external relations. Herr Brandt and I also signed an intergovernmental agreement to establish an Anglo-German Foundation for the study of industrial society.

Mr. Marten

On the question of the summit meeting and its conclusions, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he made it clear to the Chancellor that the expression so often used in 1971 and 1972—that we would go as far and as fast as the Six towards monetary union—cannot now be our policy, because surely it would be a mistake to have a settlement of monetary matters under the shadow of the present crisis?

The Prime Minister

The point about the summit meeting was that the Heads of Government agreed about the pace at which they would go on all the different matters of policy which were agreed.

I cannot agree with my hon. Friend on the last part of his supplementary ques- tion. Often when countries, either together in Europe or in the IMF, have to deal with a crisis, then is the opportunity to work out a solution which is not possible at other times.