§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD BURNTWOODMy 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 request the French Government to protect visiting representatives of British factories from molestation and harassment when they 939 are carrying out normal production reforms at associated French works.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN)My Lords, so far as I am aware, the French police afford the same protection to visiting representatives of British factories as they do to any visitors to any factory. In the case to which I believe the noble Lord is referring, I understand that the representative who was detained was released as soon as the police were called. The French authorities appear to have given every assistance necessary. I see no case for general representations to them.
§ LORD BURNTWOODMy Lords, is the noble Marquess aware that in this particular case, the details of which I sent him, one lorry from England which had been sent over from Britain to obtain material was impounded and that one executive was locked up in a room in the factory for questioning? My information is that this is not the only case where this sort of thing has occurred. The answer may he that both Governments might perhaps publicise the fact that rationalisation of production as between the two countries is very important and should be encouraged, especially with our closer association in the Common Market, something which we trust is coming soon.
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, I am very grateful to the noble Lord. He very kindly sent me details of this case. I have not been made aware of other cases of this kind, but I agree that it is the sort of matter which should be well known to the public at large and indeed to the Governments concerned.