HC Deb 03 February 1982 vol 17 cc299-300
42. Mr. Hardy

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will raise with Community Foreign Ministers the adverse effect upon United Kingdom interests of national arrangements in other member States that are not in accordance with the principles and policies of the Community.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

Ministers regularly raise such problems in the appropriate Community forum.

Mr. Hardy

Is the Minister aware that in many ways, including the use of defensive bureaucratic arrangements, other member States seem much keener to protect their economies than do the Government? Is he aware of the effect upon our special steels industry of the use of subsidised cheap electricity? How does he propose to respond to such unfair practices? When will he take action about the promised additional steps to protect the French

economy?

Mr. Atkins

In both of the cases raised by the hon. Gentleman we have consistently drawn attentior to the need for stricter policing of national aids by the Community. The recent steps announced by France were raised at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 26

January and are under study by the Commission.

Mr. Jim Spicer

Does my right hon. Friend know about the flagrant disregard by the Danish Government of the agreement that was reached on herring fishing in the North Sea? Is he aware that the Danes have increased their fishing tenfold above the agreed allowance? Does the matter fall within his province and will it he raised at his level rather than at an agricultural level, because it is a

Mr. Atkins

I agree that it is very important. It falls primarily to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to raise such matters, but if they affect the way in which the Community works, and if countries are disregarding the principles of Community operations, they can and will be discussed at the General Affairs Council.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Other than making protests, are the Government prepared, if necessary, to take unilateral action where our interests are adversely affected by the action of other European States?

Mr. Atkins

The Government wish to do two things; first, to forward the interests of the Community and, secondly, to protect the interests of Britain—

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Secondly?

Mr. Atkins

We have consciously decided to join the Community. We are anxious to forward the interests of the Community and our interests as a member of it. I refer the hon. Member for Greenwich (Mr. Barnett) to what my right hon. Friend said yesterday about the benefits that accrue to Britain from membership of the Community. Our aim is to improve the operations of the Community and to make sure that it works in a way that does not damage Britain.