Reform (Hansard, 3 March 1982)

§ 56. Mr. Cryer
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will list the reforms so far achieved in the Common Market since May 1979; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Humphrey Atkins
The agreement reached on 30 May 1980, which provided for refunds of Britain's contributions to the Community budget for 1980,1981 and if necessary 1982, was a major achievement for the Government. It also included a commitment to a reexamination of Community policies with a view to a more durable solution. Discussions on this subject in the Community are continuing and we hope that they will soon be brought to a successful conclusion.
The Community has adopted a wide variety of measures in different fields during the period in question. Details can be found in the White Papers on developments in the European Community, which the Government publish at regular intervals.
In addition, a separate memorandum was deposited in the Library of the House on 23 December, outlining the many measures agreed by the Community during the recently concluded British Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

§ Mr. Cryer
Is it not true that, the right hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) apart, the Government adopt a lickspittle subservience to the EEC? Is it not true that there have been no reforms, that the CAP remains inviolate, and that by virtue of its structure it cannot be changed without a unanimous vote, which is virtually impossible? In 1980, did not Britain have a deficit in manufactures and semi-manufactures of £2½ billion? We are helping to prop up the EEC. Where is the reform in that?

§ Mr. Atkins
As always, there are none so blind as those who will not see. I direct the hon. Gentleman's attention to my answer referring to the documents that we have deposited in the Library. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman reads them, because then he will see the forward movements, strides and reforms that have taken place in the last few years of our membership of the Community.

§ Mr. Nicholas Winterton
With every deference to my right hon. Friend, does he agree that one of the reforms that has not been forthcoming is the elimination of the national trading practices of countries such as Italy, France and Belgium, which have worked against the best interests of Britain's manufacturing industries? Does my right hon. Friend agree that, sadly—and against my best wishes and 268 instincts—Britain has been a soft option and a soft touch since we joined the EEC? When will we stand up for our best national interests?

§ Mr. Atkins
I always mistrust questions that start with my hon. Friend's opening words. He said that Britain was a soft option in the Community. Our partners do not regard us in that light. I direct my hon. Friend's attention to the many improvements to the way in which the Community works, brought about at our initiative, and the further improvements that we are seeking. Of course, I do not pretend that all the problems have been ironed out. They have not, but that improvements have been made is undeniable.

§ Mr. Stoddart
Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the only way in which Britain can get a decent deal—if that is possible—is by ending the common agricultural policy? If that policy were ended, would not France break up the Community?

§ Mr. Atkins
We are discussing, not ending the CAP, but the changing it. That is one of the things that we are seeking. I remind the hon. Gentleman that the Heads of Government agreed in May 1980 that it should be altered. We are now engaged in that process and I hope that it will be successful.

§ Mr. Bill Walker
Does my right hon. Friend agree that substantial reforms are required in the interests of all Community members, and that Britain's interests can best be enhanced by pointing out that we are one of the biggest customers for manufactures and agricultural products within the EEC?

§ Mr. Atkins
I agree with my hon. Friend. Changes are needed in the way in which the Community works. We have been seeking to achieve them. We shall continue to do that and I believe that we shall be successful.

§ 57. Mr. Leighton
asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any further progress has been made towards reforming the European Economic Community.

§ 60. Mr. Roy Hughes
asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has had any recent discussions with European Economic Community Ministers concerning future British contributions to the Community budget.

§ Mr. Humphrey Atkins
Although considerable progress has been made towards agreement on a set of guidelines covering the issues raised by the mandate of 30 May 1980, it has not yet been possible to reach complete agreement, in particular on the four key issues identified by the European Council last November. At the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 February, Ministers agreed to discuss the 30 May mandate at their meeting on 23 March. Before then the President of the Council and the President of the Commission will undertake a series of bilateral contacts with the member States.

§ Mr. Leighton
How long does the Lord Privy Seal think we can decently continue the charade of pretending that there is a way of reforming the CAP? The right hon. Gentleman said that the mandate was given to the Commission on 30 May, almost a year ago. He assured the House that, based on that, the problems would be solved at the meetings on 23 to 26 November, under the British Presidency. The British Presidency ended in fiasco and Gaston Thorn is telling us that the whole thing is likely to break up.

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman must ask a question.

§ Mr. Leighton
Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that we are rowing over the demand for £1,400 million of British money? Might it not be better to have a looser arrangement, whereby Britain is outside the CAP, does not contribute to the budget and has much friendlier relations with those countries?

§ Mr. Atkins
No, Sir, it would not. I cannot say precisely how long it will take to solve the problem, but the Government remain determined to solve it in accordance with the agreement reached between the Heads of all the member States of the Community.

§ Mr. Roy Hughes
Is it not time that even this Government came to the conclusion that the EEC is beyond reform in respect of British interests? In particular, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Britain has made massive payments over the years and is still making them? Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the heavy unemployment in Britain and compare it with the situation in countries such as Austria, Sweden and Norway, with which we have previously been on a par?

§ Mr. Atkins
The EEC is no more beyond reform than any other body—even the Labour Party.

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg
Does my right hon. Friend agree that there has been some reform of the CAP, not least because in 1979 it took up about 80 per cent. of the budget while it now takes up less than 70 per cent. of the budget?

§ Mr. Atkins
Yes, Sir. We are making slower progress than any of us want, but as long as there is progress it is our business to pursue the ends that we all desire.

§ Mr. Heffer
Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that over the years there has been attempt after attempt to reform the CAP and to achieve other reforms? However, there has been no reform. On this occasion, can we not ask the right hon. Gentleman for a clear declaration in the House that if we do not achieve the reforms—as seems likely—the Government will this time take a clear stand and bring the issue back to the House and to the British people for a clear decision.

§ Mr. Atkins
No, Sir. Under the auspices of the Labour Government, a clear decision was reached in 1975. This Government are not prepared to give up as easily as the hon. Gentleman apparently is.

§ Mr. Ward
Will my right hon. Friend take this opportunity to congratulate my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on having done more to assist our cause in the Common Market than any other British Prime Minister? Does my right hon. Friend recognise that the Opposition probably waffle because it is the only subject upon which they are united?

§ Mr. Skinner
The hon. Gentleman is not very well informed.

§ Mr. Atkins
I agree with the first part of my hon. Friend's question, but not with the second part. I do not detect any more unity among the Opposition on this subject than on any other subject that is raised in the House.