§ 42. Mr. Knoxasked the Lord Privy Seal what progress is being made for the strengthening of foreign policy co-operation in the European Economic Community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Ian GilmourFollowing the instruction from the Foreign Ministers' meeting on 4 November last year, officials of the Ten are currently examining ways of improving political co-operation. They will report to Ministers in due course.
§ Mr. KnoxIn what spheres does my right hon. Friend expect that foreign affairs initiatives will be taken during the period that we have the Presidency of the Council of Ministers? Does he expect further developments in the Middle East?
§ Sir Ian GilmourA general answer is difficult to give. Unfortunately, I do not have the necessary degree of far-sightedness. As to the second part of my hon. Friend's question, that will depend on the current round of visits and the report by the Netherlands' Foreign Minister, Mr. van der Klaauw. We shall then see what the next development of the European initiative should be.
§ Mr. John Home RobertsonWill the Minister undertake to continue to press for a European initiative for peace in the Middle East? In doing so, will he undertake to consult not only Israel and the front-line Arab States but representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organisation?
§ Sir Ian GilmourWe have already dealt with that to some extent. Of course, it is important, in pursuance of the European initiative, that contacts should be maintained with Israel and all the relevant Arab States. The Venice declaration mentions the PLO, so it has to be connected with the peace settlement. I am sure that that is true.
§ Mr. MoateDoes my right hon. Friend regard the introduction of the Common Market format burgundy passport as a contribution to foreign policy? If not, what is it supposed to achieve? Does my right hon. Friend realise that his earlier answer trivialises what many people regard as a serious matter? Can he confirm that, whatever the legalities, he would like the House of Commons to make the final decision?
§ Sir Ian GilmourI do not understand why "burgundy" should be regarded as such a form of abuse. I do not agree that I was trivialising the matter. I was making it clear that 284 the change cannot and will not happen for a number of years. Therefore, there is no question of the House of Commons being bounced into it. The idea that there will be no opportunity for discussion is far from our minds. As I told the House a month ago, the issue has been on the agenda since 1974. It has not been rushed.
§ Mr. James LamondIf co-operation on foreign policy is strengthened, does that mean that the British Government will be more frequently on the side of freedom, humanity and common justice rather than backing brutal Fascist regimes, such as that represented by the junta in El Salvador?
§ Sir Ian GilmourBoth the general and particular premises on which that question is based are wrong. We are on the side of freedom. We do not back, in general, brutal Fascist regimes. My hon. Friend made clear earlier our attitude to the El Salvador difficulties.