HC Deb 11 July 1979 vol 970 cc465-6
45. Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he is satisfied with the progress of Greek accession to the European Communities; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Yes, Sir. An important and historic step was taken on 28 June 1979 when the Greek Parliament approved a Bill for the ratification of the Treaty of Accession. The Government warmly welcome this development. We believe that Greece's accession will enrich the Community and strengthen further the excellent relations between our two countries.

Sir B. Braine

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but is he aware that, immediately following the ratification by the Greek Parliament of the Treaty of Accession, nearly 200 hon. Members signed an early-day motion expressing their pleasure at the decision and warmly welcoming Greece into the Community? Is he aware that the strong wish behind that early-day motion was that the Government should move with the utmost speed to introduce legislation or initiate other necessary action to ensure that Greece enters the Community as quickly as possible? Will he give the House some information on the matter?

Sir I. Gilmour

I warmly welcome my hon. Friend's remarks. He will appreciate that whatever is done in this Parliament will not delay the entry of Greece into the EEC. I assure him about that. We are considering how the accession should best be dealt with in this Parliament, and we should like to ratify as soon as possible. At the same time, we must be satisfied that the most suitable procedures are followed for parliamentary action prior to application.

Mr. Palmer

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when a British Minister will go to Athens to discuss with the Greek Government the many questions of special interest to this country and to Greece that will arise out of Greece's entry into the EEC?

Sir I. Gilmour

I hope to visit Greece before long. However, I cannot say whether I shall be the only one to do so—or, indeed, the first.

Mr. Hill

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the accession of another country into the EEC will bring greater pressure to bear on the common agricultural problem in Europe? It should expedite the decision that is to be made in renegotiating the CAP.

Sir I. Gilmour

There is a great deal in what my hon. Friend says. However, our first priority is a reform of the EEC budget.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Will the new development assist the Greek Cypriots and the refugees in their difficulties over the loss of property?

Sir I. Gilmour

That is another matter. That question was put down today, but the hon. Member in whose name it was tabled was not present. However, I do not believe that it is necessarily concerned with the present matter.