HC Deb 07 March 1978 vol 945 cc1218-20
Q1. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Prime Minister what plans he has to meet the Prime Minister of Denmark.

The Prime Minister (Mr. James Callaghan)

I expect to meet Mr. Jorgensen at the next meeting of the European Council at Copenhagen on 7th and 8th April.

Mr. Whitehead

At that meeting, will my right hon. Friend raise with the Council of Ministers the question of Japanese car imports into this country in particular and the EEC in general, bearing in mind our vulnerability to manufactured imports, especially cars? Does he agree that EEC action is now needed to prevent the Japanese, who have recently refused to continue voluntary restrictions, from exporting unemployment to Europe? Will not that lead later to a savage trade war?

The Prime Minister

The European Community has up to the moment regarded this matter as being best dealt with by bilateral discussions between the motor car industries. Such discussions have taken place. I believe that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade will be answering a Question on the Japanese situation later this afternoon which indicates that the Japanese motor car industry expects to take a lower market share in this country during 1978 than it took in 1977. If, therefore, our own production can increase, we can fill that gap very easily.

Mr. Welsh

When the Prime Minister meets the Danish Prime Minister, will he ask him for lessons on how to defend the interests of the agriculture industry in the Common Market? Is he aware of the present drastic fall in United Kingdom livestock numbers caused by the failure of Government policies to defend adequately the United Kingdom livestock industry? What will he positively do about that?

The Prime Minister

I was not aware that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food was regarded as having failed to defend the interests of British agriculture in the Community. Indeed, I thought the protests were that he was defending them too well. I must say that I think there is a period of expansion ahead for British agriculture at the present time.

Mr. Roper

Will my right hon. Friend take advantage of his meeting with Mr. Jorgensen to discuss the possibility of a meeting between the leaders of the Socialist Parties of the European Community in order to discuss preparations for direct elections?

Mr. Skinner

No. Leave it alone.

The Prime Minister

If I need any guide to my conscience, I shall take my hon. Friend with me and we can talk about it together. I must say that, however sympathetic I might be, there is no ministerial responsibility for party meetings.

Mr. Marten

When the Prime Minister meets the Danish Prime Minister, will he take with him a copy of the excellent article in yesterday's evening newspaper by his hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Price), who spent a year at the European Assembly and has written a very critical article saying what a farce the whole thing is?

The Prime Minister

If that is the case, I do not know why the hon. Gentleman is so intent on opposing any additions to the European Assembly or opposing the elections that would take place.

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