HC Deb 07 July 1982 vol 27 cc285-6
47. Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he proposes any new initiatives within the European Economic Community to protect the United Kingdom's economic and political interests.

Mr. Hurd

We intend to identify and pursue all sensible opportunities to advance our economic and political interests through proposals in the Community.

Mr. Dykes

Will my right hon. Friend press for the location of EEC institutions in the United Kingdom in the coming years and will he suggest which ones they might be?

Mr. Hurd

Not without notice, but if sensible proposals—I stress the word "sensible"—for new Community policies are put forward it is important that there should be proper distribution of benefits in terms of siting.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Will the Minister impress upon the Community how anxious we are to attract the Datsun project to this country? Does he agree that it would be far better to have a Japanese car plant in South Wales, for example, bringing its expertise to our motor industry as well as providing many thousands of jobs, than for our roads to continue to be flooded with the Volkswagens, Renaults and Fiats, which have done so much to undermine our own industry?

Mr. Hurd

I note the hon. Gentleman's point about the Nissan project, but I think that it is essentially a matter for the Japanese rather than for the Community.

Mr. Roper

Reverting to the installation of EEC institutions, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the siting of the EEC copyright office in the Greater Manchester area?

Mr. Hurd

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Budgen

Do the Government intend to deny the EEC institutions any proposals that they might have to extend their sources of new revenue?

Mr. Hurd

We hold at present to the belief that it would be wrong to enlarge the 1 per cent. limit on VAT. As the whole question of own resources is not immediately or imminently on the Community agenda, I had better not add to what I have said.

Mr. Heffer

Does the Minister agree that the budget issue is still outstanding, that the CAP has not been fundamentally changed and that no moves have been made towards a looser and wider Europe? Would not the best initiative for the Government be to begin the process of getting Britain out of the Common Market at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. Hurd

I think that that would be a thoroughly negative and destructive step, and I note that the hon. Gentleman's colleagues are increasingly sceptical about it.

Mr. Heffer

Which ones?

Mr. Hurd

The right hon. Member for Birmingham, Sparkbrook (Mr. Hattersley) made an interesting statement in the last few days.

Mr. Heffer

He was not speaking for the party.