HC Deb 26 July 1978 vol 954 cc1550-2
45. Mr. Nelson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans next to visit the European Parliament.

Mr. Tomlinson

My right hon. Friend has, at present, no plans to visit the European Assembly.

Mr. Nelson

Will the Foreign Secretary consider making an early visit to the European Parliament, possibly at its September sitting, in order to reassure it that the British Government give full support to the Franco-German proposals for monetary integration? Does the hon. Gentleman accept that such a stabilisation programme must inevitably fail unless it is regarded as a first step to a full common currency and monetary union in Europe?

Mr. Tomlinson

I am not sure that my right hon. Friend would find that the most productive use of his time in September, but I am sure that he will look with interest at the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Mrs. Dunwoody

Does my hon. Friend agree that, unless his right hon. Friend wants to be bored, he might as well save a lot of taxpayers' money by staying at home in Britain?

Mr. Tomlinson

No. I am sure that my right hon. Friend, when he last visited the Assembly during our Presidency, found it a most enjoyable occasion and was most impressed by the contributions of the representatives of the United Kingdom Parliament.

Mr. Biffen

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if his right hon. Friend went to the Assembly in the terms indicated by my hon. Friend the Member for Chichester (Mr. Nelson), it would represent an abject surrender on the part of the British Government which would not be tolerated by this House of Commons?

Mr. Tomlinson

I am sure that my right hon. Friend would be more inclined to that point of view. That is one of the reasons why I do not think that he would find a visit in September productive.

Mr. Molloy

Will my hon. Friend ask his right hon. Friend, if he should visit the European Parliament or the European Assembly or whatever it is called, to take up the issue of the mountains of foodstuffs which are being stored in Europe, to no one's advantage? It is now costing many millions of pounds a year to keep them out of circulation. Does my hon. Friend agree that this is one of the most monumental scandals perpetrated by the Common Market since its inception?

Mr. Tomlinson

I am sure that my right hon. Friend would not take an opportunity to visit the European Assembly for that purpose, but my hon. Friend can remain assured that that is precisely the point of view which Her Majesty's Government are reflecting in the Council of Ministers, which is the place where that sort of point needs to be made, because that is where the responsibility for decision making lies.

Mr. Hurd

Is the Minister aware that, despite earlier assurances from his colleagues, we have still not seen, let alone approved, the draft regulations governing the first direct elections to the European Parliament to be held in this country? What is the reason for this further hang-up?

Mr. Tomlinson

I am not aware of the details. I shall have to look at them and get in touch with the hon. Gentleman.