§ Q3. Mr. MacFarquharasked the Prime Minister when he next hopes to discuss the European monetary system with his European Economic Community colleagues.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to discuss the European monetary system with Heads of Government of other European Economic Community countries. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear.") I am glad to get a cheer from the Opposition.
But, if the European monetary system has not started by the time of the next meeting of the European Council in March, the issue may be raised then.
§ Mr. MacFarquharWhen my right hon. Friend next talks about the system with his colleagues, will he confirm the spirit of his remarks in the House on 6 December that Her Majesty's Government regret and take no pleasure in the fact that a system could not be devised for full British participation? In view of the decisions by the Irish and Italian Governments since then to change their minds on going in, will he undertake, if the system gets off the ground, to reconsider the British position?
§ The Prime MinisterWe should always look at the question of the European monetary system against the best interests of our own country. It was because we felt it was not in the best interests of Britain that we did not enter the system. We felt that there must be other adjuncts to the system, namely, a greater convergence in the economies of the various countries and also in the monetary backing that is given to developing regions and elsewhere. Until these things are done, it is very unlikely that we shall be able to change our minds on whether it is worth while for this country to enter.
§ Mr. William ClarkAs the Prime Minister will not find time to discuss the European monetary system, will he utilise his time in discussing urgently with the Trades Union Congress the ineffectiveness of the emergency service under the ambulance system—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Even I cannot allow that.