§ 3.0 p.m.
§ LORD GRANTCHESTERMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state—
- (a) what exactly the Prime Minister is intending to give away when, in discussions in Rome and Paris, he offered British technological information apparently for the benefit of non-British firms operating within the area of the European Common Market, and again when in discussions last week with Mr. Kosygin he made a similar offer to help industries in Russia; and
- (b) whether this information would include the secrets of British firms vital to our exports or information shared with the United States Government under the terms of the McMahon Act.]
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD)My Lords, I think that the noble Lord must have been misinformed if he is under the impression that my right honourable friend the Prime Minister offered British technological information as a free gift to non-British firms, either within the area of the Common Market or of the U.S.S.R. The Prime Minister, in his discussions in Rome and Paris, said that the exchange of technological information would be greatly facilitated within an expanded European Economic Community, including the United Kingdom, and that Britain would feel able to develop technological collaboration only to the extent 800 that a wider market was created for the products of British technological industries. In his discussions with Mr. Kosygin the Prime Minister suggested means for the greater facilitation of two-way technological exchanges between British and Russian industries.
The second part of the noble Lord's Question relating to the McMahon Act does not arise.
§ LORD GRANTCHESTERMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Earl for his reply, and ask whether Her Majesty's Government have made any representations to the American Government about the differences in their attitude as between one country and another as a barrier to European union and full co-operation between them. If not, would they endeavour to work out with the American Government a policy which is satisfactory both to the American Government and to the European Economic Community? In the meantime, to avoid misunderstanding, should not statements which are made on this subject be appropriately qualified?
§ THE EARL OF LONGFORDMy Lords, without accepting all the implications of the noble Lord's question, may I venture to suggest that he put down a separate Question to that effect?