HC Deb 18 March 1981 vol 1 cc282-3
41. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government, during their tenure of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, will press for a reexamination of the Proposals for improvements in the cost-effectiveness of the Community's external representation made in the Commission's communication of 9 March 1978 (COM) (78) 66 final).

Sir Ian Gilmour

The Commission's communication of 9 March 1978, which largely concerns matters within the Commission's competence, was noted by the Council of Ministers in September 1978. The Council expressed general agreement with the Commission's analysis. The United Kingdom continues to attach importance to securing the maximum cost-effectiveness in the Community's external representation, on the basis of the Council of Ministers' earlier conclusions.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Will there not always be considerable scope for economies in the manning and competence of overseas missions by pooling activities in many cases, or by delegating activities to the local offices of the European Community itself?

Sir Ian Gilmour

My hon. Friend is right. There is scope for a great deal of co-operation. As he knows, a great deal of co-operation already exists among regular heads of missions in most capitals. We are certainly prepared to consider any ideas or proposals for further coordination and rationalisation which will save money and increase efficiency.

Mr. Lawrence

During the Foreign Secretary's tenure as President, does he propose to meet Mr. Yasser Arafat? If so, does he consider that that will do much to reassure the State of Israel that its security is guaranteed?

Sir Ian Gilmour

I am not sure how that question arises from the original question. I answered the question earlier. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said, it might be necessary for the Foreign Secretary, when he is President, to meet Mr. Arafat. I do not agree with the premise of my hon. Friend's question. I do not believe that to cut off all contact with the PLO is likely to bring about a peaceful settlement.