HC Deb 01 May 1974 vol 872 cc1143-4
27. Lord Balniel

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the Atlantic Alliance.

Mr. Hattersley

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statement of the Government's policy towards the North Atlantic Alliance set out in the Gracious Speech.—[Vol. 870, c. 43–4.]

Lord Balniel

Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that the Government were elected to seek, as a first step, the removal of the American Polaris bases in Holy Loch? Have negotiations begun on that?

Mr. Hattersley

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence made the position absolutely clear on 9th April, when he said that the Polaris Holy Loch situation was part of a wider and longer negotiating process. I have nothing to add to the answer he gave then.

Mr. Dalyell

Will my hon. Friend confirm that our relations with the United States are a good deal less sour since the Conservative Government left office?

Mr. Hattersley

I think that is very true and very visible.