HC Deb 18 February 1981 vol 999 c271
37. Mr. Cryer

asked the Lord Privy Seal when next he expects to meet other European Economic Community Ministers to review the integration of Greece into the European Economic Community.

Sir Ian Gilmour

It is, I think, a little soon to be reviewing progress. Integration will be a gradual process taking place over five years or more. But as members the Greeks play a full part in Council meetings and all Community work.

Mr. Cryer

Can the Minister assure the House that during that five-year period the EEC will be poised to take rapid action, should there be economic disruption by exports, particularly of clothing and textiles, from Greece to this country? In view of the massive lobby last Monday by clothing, footwear and textile workers who are worried sick about the continued loss of jobs, does he realise that if the EEC does not take action, this will convince many workers that association with and membership of the EEC has meant for them a continuing loss of jobs?

Sir Ian Gilmour

I think that the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question is not justified at all. As I believe I have assured him on more than one occasion before, Greece's Treaty of Accession contains adequate safeguard provisions on trade. If anything goes wrong, the Community will act. I have given the hon. Gentleman that assurance before.

Mr. Squire

Will my right hon. Friend use the accession of Greece, combined with our Presidency later in the year, to take firm steps to resolve the multi-language problem, there now being seven languages, and to institute action to move to two languages, namely, French and English? Will he use that, in turn, as a possible way to influence the French to one siting of the Parliament as well?

Sir Ian Gilmour

With respect to my hon. Friend, I do not think that the two things are connected. I should be very bold indeed if I undertook to the House to cut down the number of Community languages from seven to two.