§ Q3. Mr. Goldingasked the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for 1st July.
§ The Prime MinisterI chaired a meeting of the Cabinet this morning and I shall be having further meetings with my colleagues and others this afternoon. Later today I hope to have an audience of Her Majesty the Queen. This evening, I expect to be in my place in this House and if, as I expect, I am convinced by the arguments, I shall be casting my vote, or votes, in the proceedings on the Industry Bill.
§ Mr. GoldingIs the Prime Minister aware that many of us will wish him well? In view of the many matters of common concern between the two countries, will he tell us whether he has any intention of having further discussions with the Prime Minister of Belgium while that gentleman is in Britain?
§ The Prime MinisterI spent several hours with the Prime Minister of Belgium last night. We discussed bilateral matters and the situation in the European Economic Community following the outcome of the referendum. As the House knows, Mr. Tindemans has been charged by various Heads of Government to visit all the areas of the Community and to meet not only Governments and political parties but other interested persons and groups to discuss the future development of the Community. We spent some time discussing these matters last night. He is welcome and he will now visit Scotland and Wales. The success of his visit is assured.
§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopWill the Prime Minister now do his public duty at his audience of Her Majesty by advising her that he does not have the confidence of the country, of the House or of anyone abroad? That is public knowledge.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I am never guilty of misinforming the Queen about the true facts.
§ Mr. ThorpeDid the Prime Minister assure Mr. Tindemans of the enthusiasm of this country for direct elections to the European Parliament? Was the Prime Minister successful in explaining to Mr. Tindemans the mysteries of our existing electoral system, which I find difficult?
§ The Prime MinisterMr. Tindemans did not express any interest in our electoral system in any shape or form. I have no doubt that the right hon. Gentleman will see Mr. Tindemans for discussions on these matters and will express views on this subject to him if he thinks them of interest. We did not express any view on the question of direct elections. As the right hon. Gentleman and the House know, the Parliamentary Labour Party has decided to nominate Members, with the agreement of the House, to go to the Assembly. No doubt those Members will have their eyes and ears open and consider these matters. [Interruption.] As I made clear a week ago, the matter of Lord George-Brown is not one for the Prime Minister or the leader of the party. The procedure has already been settled and will be carried out by the Parliamentary Labour Party, the Chief Whip and the chairman of the liaison committee. In no way did anyone interfere with the selection or other wise of Lord George-Brown.