HC Deb 01 May 1974 vol 872 cc1136-7
19. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to pay a further visit to Brussels.

Mr. Hattersley

My right hon. Friend expects to visit Brussels for the Council of Ministers' meeting on 7th May.

Mr. McCrindle

When next he visits Brussels, or preferably before, will the Foreign Secretary take the opportunity of confirming that Britain has no intention of following the example of the Italian Government yesterday in the limitation of imports? We understand the Government's policy of renegotiating the terms of entry, but will the hon. Gentleman confirm that as long as we remain members we shall fulfil our obligations under the treaty?

Mr. Hattersley

We have made very clear how we shall behave during the period of renegotiation—that is, not only to observe the terms of the treaties but to take our part in on-going business in so far as that is consistent with our renegotiation objectives.

Mr. Christopher Mayhew

In these comprehensive renegotiations, will the Government be very careful not to renegotiate inadvertently those parts of the treaties which make certain foodstuffs cheaper for British housewives?

Mr. Hattersley

The Government are very conscious of that. I hope that my hon. Friend is conscious also of the fact that, while temporarily the CAP system may be working on our side, the longterm implication of the CAP is that we may move into periods when it is very much working against us. Clearly what the Government need is a régime in which we can look forward with some certainty to having a reasonable system of agricultural financing in all conditions and all circumstances.

Mr. Hill

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that the renegotiations will encompass the regional policy fund? Is he not aware that there are rumours in Brussels that the size of the fund waiting on the table for him to accept is in the region of 1,450 million units of account?

Mr. Hattersley

Of course, our renegotiations include attitudes towards both the regional fund and regional policy. I urge the hon. Gentleman, however, to understand that rumours of all kinds emanate from Brussels, and the one he has just described is one of the most extraordinary rumours I have heard coming from that place in the last eight weeks.