Political Co-operation (Hansard, 7 December 1977)

§ 45. Mr. Dykes
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to meet his colleagues in the other member States of the EEC to discuss the development of political co-operation.

§ Dr. Owen
The next political co-operation ministerial meeting is to be held in Copenhagen, under the Danish Presidency. on 13th and 14th February 1978.

§ Mr. Dykes
In the context of the overall development of political co-operation, was the Foreign Secretary upset that the French Government apparently prevented the issuance of the united statement on the Middle East at the time of President Sadat's visit to Israel?

§ Dr. Owen
The President of the Council tried to get a Presidency statement on the Saturday, I think it was, but it proved impossible to achieve unanimity. But we, in fact, agreed a statement which was helpful when the Council of Foreign Ministers met on the Tuesday following. I was very happy to have a statement on the Saturday and equally happy to have one on the Tuesday.

§ Mr. Skinner
When my right hon. Friend meets his colleagues in the Common Market, will he also tell them that the hon. Gentleman who tabled this Question about political co-operation in Europe—the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Dykes)—was the same man who was acting as a go-between between the Common Market Commission and the Tory Party Central Office in an attempt to undermine Britain's oil revenues? Will he tell his colleagues that we are not having any of that?

§ Mr. Dykes
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I should like to point out two things. First, the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) did not indicate to me in advance that he would be raising this matter. Secondly, and even more important, the Secretary of State for Energy made a totally false allegation, which I hope he will withdraw, on something that he has misconstrued, and he has not yet apologised for it.

§ Dr. Owen
I will only say to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) that before I go to the next political co-operation meeting I shall try to improve my French.