§ 44. Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, to achieve increased political co-operation within the European Economic Community, he will propose specific measures to improve consultation and concerting of policies in other than economic matters.
§ Mr. HurdAs I have already indicated, the London report on political co-operation, agreed in October 1981, contains a number of measures designed to improve the working of political co-operation. These are being carried out.
We are also discussing a number of proposals for improving co-operation between member States and within the Community in a variety of ways. As my hon. Friend knows, there is also already excellent co-operation on anti-terrorism.
§ Sir Anthony MeyerIs it not clear that membership of the Community is the readiest weapon in the hands of the British Government to help them achieve their political objectives? But is it not equally clear that this membership poses a corresponding obligation not to place too great a strain on European Community solidarity and also imposes an obligation upon us to support, when the time comes, the vital national objectives of other members of the Community?
§ Mr. HurdMy hon. Friend is right. These obligations lie upon all member States, and we are doing our best to make that clear.
§ Mr. PavittIs the Minister satisfied that there is sufficient co-ordination between the political advances made in the Community and those of the Council of Europe? During his visit to Strasbourg last week, was the right hon. Gentleman aware of the motion on Turkey put forward by the Socialist Group of 21 countries, and does he take that into consideration in his negotiations on political matters with the Ten?
§ Mr. HurdYes, we try to keep the two in harmony as far as we can. There was a good discussion on Turkey between Ministers in the Council of Europe last week, in which the Turkish Foreign Minister played a helpful part.
§ Mr. Bill WalkerWhen my right hon. Friend discusses co-operation with his Common Market partners, will he remind them that the EEC represents about half of the world's democracies and that what we are doing in the Falklands is defending democracy and the rule of law?
§ Mr. HurdI think that our partners clearly understand that when they act to support us they are not simply doing us a favour but are supporting principles of international law that are extremely important for them as well.
§ Mr. HooleyIs the Minister aware that political co-operation among Western European countries is perfectly feasible without the Treaty of Rome and that the United Kingdom's relations with other European countries were happier, more constructive and more productive before we joined the Community than since?
§ Mr. HurdIf the hon. Gentleman and his friends believe that, they are living in cloud-cuckoo-land. The fact is that political co-operation has been painfully and slowly constructed on the basis of the Community.