HL Deb 16 June 1971 vol 320 cc582-4

2.53 p.m.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any representations have been made to the French Government on a resumption of association of the French Government with NATO.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN)

My Lords, no such representations have been made to the French Government. While I am certain that the other Members of NATO, like Her Majesty's Government, would warmly welcome the return of France, this is entirely a matter for the French Government to decide.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, I am grateful for that Answer. But how is it possible to promote an effective deterrent against the possibility of aggression—and there always is the possibility which is recognised by the very existence of NATO—if France contracts out, not only regarding troops on the ground and in the air, but also so far as Naval Forces in the Mediterranean are concerned? Are not the Government somewhat concerned about this anomalous position?

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, as I said, we should very much welcome the return of France to NATO, as would other Members of the Alliance. I am sure that representations and sentiments such as those which the noble Lord has expressed will be echoed in this country. It is our hope that the French will take notice of them.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, surely this is the appropriate occasion for making such representations, when there is so much talk of promoting unity in Europe? Surely, when the Prime Minister engaged in conversation with M. Pompidou it was desirable to raise this very important consideration, which affects the whole future not only of Europe but of this country.

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords. I think, as the noble Lord will realise, that the discussions between the Prime Minister and M. Pompidou were confidential. They were almost entirely concerned with the progress of negotiations over the E.E.C.; and defence matters, I can tell the noble Lord, took up very little time in those discussions because it was felt that these were questions for the future once the matter of our joining the E.E.C. or not had been decided.

LORD SLATER

My Lords, if the talks between the Prime Minister and M. Pompidou were confidential, could the noble Lord say what talks, if any, have taken place with the Foreign Secretary in regard to this issue? After all, there is the Western European Union, which consists of the Six.

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords. I think I should require notice of that question: but I will take notice of what the noble Lord has said.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, may I give notice to the Government, through the noble Marquess, that before the Summer Recess I shall take the oppor- tunity of putting down an Unstarred Question, because in my judgment and, I believe, in the judgment of noble Lords on both sides, this is a matter which deserves consideration.