EUROPEAN COMMUNITY HEADS OF GOVERNMENT (Hansard, 24 November 1977)

§ Q2. Mr. Watkinson
asked the Prime Minister when he next plans to meet the Heads of State of the EEC.

§ The Prime Minister
I expect to meet His Majesty The King of the Belgians and the President of the French Republic, as well as the Heads of Government of other EEC countries, on the occasion of the meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 5th and 6th December.

§ Mr. Watkinson
When my right hon. Friend next meets the Heads of State, will he stress not only the material benefits of reforming the CAP but the political benefits of the early admission of Greece, Portugal and Spain? Does he agree that Mediterranean democracy would benefit from this, as would the development of a non-federalist Europe?

§ The Prime Minister
On many occasions the Government have made their position clear to the Heads of Government of Greece, Spain and Portugal, namely, that we would welcome their accession to the Community. We believe that it would be a means of strengthening democracy in those countries. We believe that it would also be for the benefit of democracy in Europe as a whole as well as for the material well-being of the citizens of those countries.

§ Mr. Eldon Griffiths
Since the House last night decisively rejected the proposition for proportional representation in respect of Scotland, will the Prime Minister pursue that principle in respect of Europe? When he meets his EEC colleagues, will he explain to them that, while he has taken no notice of the Liberals in respect of devolution on this matter, he will equally take no notice of them in respect of proportional representation in European elections?

§ The Prime Minister
No, Sir. I do not think we can draw a parallel line between what happens on devolution in Scotland, and the method of election there, and what happens in the EEC.

§ Mr. Molloy
When the Prime Minister meets the Heads of Government of the EEC States, will he point out to them today's announcement of the increase in the volume of investment in United Kingdom manufacturing, distributive and service industries, which is quite remarkable?

§ The Prime Minister
I shall have great pleasure in looking up those figures and in indicating to the Heads of Government what I know is the case—I think the whole House will welcome it—that there has been a substantial increase in the level of investment both in manufacturing industry and in the service industries in the third quarter of 1977. I hope that that will continue to be the case in the months ahead. I believe that the increase is particularly pleasing in plant and machinery.

§ Mr. Hordern
As the Prime Minister told the Heads of State in Europe that he would use his best endeavours to get direct elections to the European Parliament, will he give the House a categoric assurance that all his Ministers will be voting for the Bill tonight?

§ The Prime Minister
I suggest that the hon. Gentleman waits until 10 o'clock.

§ Mr. Skinner
Does my right hon. Friend agree that he has always taken a slightly less pro-Market stance than many of his colleagues, which certainly does not compare with the pro-European party opposite? In view of that, why has he found it necessary to change the free vote that we had last July on direct elections to one in which Ministers are being placed in the predicament that soma, of them will be in tonight? Is it purely because of Liberal support? If that is the case, he has no need to worry about them. They are frightened to death of an election at any time.

§ The Prime Minister
Nobody need be in any predicament tonight. They are all Members of this House. But the policy of the Government is quite clear and has been stated by me on behalf of the Cabinet.