HC Deb 21 March 1979 vol 964 cc1486-8
44. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what major decisions in the Council of Ministers he expects to be reached during the remaining period of the French presidency.

Dr. Owen

A price freeze on agricultural products in structural surplus, a commitment to a fairer allocation of the Community budget between the member States, measures to help alleviate unemployment, and progress towards a satisfactory revision of the common fisheries policy.

Mr. Skeet

When does the Secretary of State expect that the conflict between the Commission and member States over Euratom will be resolved, bearing in mind the recent court decision? Will uranium be purchased by Euratom or on a bilateral basis by the member States?

Dr. Owen

The matter of Euratom could take a long time. It involves sensitive issues connected with the non-proliferation policies of member States. The French Government and, to a great extent, this Government feel that the opportunity should be taken to look at the treaty as it comes up for review.

On the question of uranium supplies, we have had an outstanding arrangement with Australia and have asked the Commission to agree to that for some years. It is of great concern that we have not achieved that bilateral agreement, having made every effort to meet the Commission's requests.

Mr. Robert Hughes

Should not the Council of Ministers contact Mr. Rhoodie in Paris about the widespread allegations concerning the use of Department of Information money, not only in this country but in other countries in the EEC? Would it be a good bargain to buy from Mr. Rhoodie the tapes and documents for £100,000 and expose the network of corruption and bribery in which the South African Government are engaged?

Dr. Owen

South Africa is frequently discussed in the context of political co-operation, but that item is not yet on the agenda.

Mr. Henderson

Reverting to the modest list of achievements that the Foreign Secretary anticipates, are the prospects of achieving a satisfactory agreement on the common fisheries policy more likely under a French presidency than a German one?

Dr. Owen

That has shown a certain amount of movement under the French presidency. I was careful to say that we had not achieved complete success. I asked for progress. There has been some understanding over the past few months, but we are unlikely to reach complete agreement on a common fisheries policy under the French presidency.

Mr. Pym

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's claims about the progress of negotiations in the Community, may I ask when we shall see beneficial results? Can he account for the talk of further renegotiation when the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State and others hailed the last round as a triumphant success?

Dr. Owen

The right hon. Gentleman should give credit where it is due. When this Government took office, the price increases in the annual farm price review were 15 per cent. In the last price review the figure was 2 per cent., and we believe that this one will be zero prices and structural surplus. In each successive year Labour Government agriculture Ministers have been able, by putting the view of the consumer as well as that of the farmer, to achieve a substantial reduction in food prices in the European Community. That has benefited not only British housewives but Community housewives.