§ 51. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied with progress towards the adoption of common tactics by European Economic Community Governments in international organisations.
§ Mr. HurdBroadly, yes, but we are always looking at ways to improve co-ordination among the Ten. On issues which fall within Community competence the Commission already negotiates on behalf of the European Community as a whole, in accordance with a mandate agreed by the Council of Ministers. On other issues we usually try to co-ordinate among the Ten and with other like-minded countries.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerMay I invite my right hon. Friend, as I invited the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday, to consider the powerful offer by Mr. Donald Regan, the Secretary to the American Treasury, the other day, that the United States would adopt a more open attitude in its dealings with Europe and the rest of the world? Does my right hon. Friend recall the initiative taken by Ernest Bevin in response to a similar, rather vague offer by General Marshall back in 1947? Will he seize this opportunity to act on behalf of the Community to develop a new programme of expansion of the world economy?
§ Mr. HurdI heard my hon. Friend's question yesterday and the reply of my right hon. and learned Friend. My hon. Friend will have found that reasonably encouraging, and I cannot add to it today.
§ Dr. M. S. MillerWhat is the point in trying to adopt common tactics when the whole strategy is wrong?
§ Mr. HurdThat supplementary question is so vague that it is impossible to give a satisfactory answer.