HL Deb 25 November 1975 vol 366 cc133-4
Lord BROCKWAY

My 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 it is still intended to hold the Energy Conference in Paris next month in view of the difficulties regarding British and unaligned nations' representation.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have not heard of any proposal that the Conference should be delayed. We would much regret any delay.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, while thanking the Minister, may I ask him whether, in view of the very short time available and the difficulties which still arise about British representation and the representation of the Committee of 77, it would be desirable now to try to find new representation which would give Britain an opportunity at this Conference? Is it not also desirable to inform the Committee of 77 that the issues raised by them concerning the developing and developed countries will be considered, even if there is this delay?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, the answer to the first question is, certainly. The answer to the second question is that we also hope that the interests, as they see them, of the un aligned countries would be given every possible consideration by the preparatory group.

The Earl of LAUDERDALE

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the Government's efforts in seeking an appropriately special position at this Conference for Britain, as an energy-producing nation, commands much wider support among the public than might be suggested by the reactions of the media?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, we are well aware of that excel lent situation in public opinion, both in Parliament and in the country.

Lord WIGG

My Lords, would not the Minister agree that the interests of Britain would be best served if she joined the non-aliened countries; and would that not be strictly in accord with the economic and military facts of the world?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

I do not think so, my Lords.