§ 5. Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations have taken place among EEC Defence Ministers on that part of the Tindemans Report which lies within the area of their responsibility.
§ Mr. ArnoldDoes the Secretary of State accept that European Union will be incomplete until such time as it includes a common defence policy? In addition to studying the establishment of a European armament agency, should not the European Council and Defence Ministers begin by holding regular exchanges of view on specific defence matters?
§ Mr. MasonThe Heads of Government will discuss the Tindemans Report on 1st and 2nd April. I have told the House already that the European Community has no defence capability. Its 230 defence is dependent upon the Alliance. The Tindemans Report was particularly vague on the question how to deal with Irish neutrality, and the special position of France and Alliance members who are not members of the European Community.
§ Mr. PattieHow does the Secretary of State react to a call today by Marcel Dassault for a short take-off military cargo aircraft to be produced jointly by the Nine?
§ Mr. MartenWould it not be highly dangerous to follow the suggestion made in that supplementary question? Is not defence a matter which goes wider than the nine countries of the Common Market?
§ Mr. MasonYes, and I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman recognises that. I have tried before to counsel caution to the House. Europe's defence is dependent on the Alliance and, as the Tindemans Report indicates, it is by virtue of the Atlantic Alliance that we in Europe enjoy the measure of security and stability which has enabled us to undertake the construction of Europe.