65. Mr. Garner-Evansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what contribution the Government has so far made to the discussions on the Schuman Plan.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesFor reasons of which the hon. Member will be aware, His Majesty's Government, whilst welcoming the French initiative in this matter, did not feel able themselves to join in the Six Power discussions on the Schuman Plan that have been taking place over the past few months. For the same reason, His Majesty's Government have not considered it appropriate to intervene in Paris. His Majesty's Government have, however, followed the negotiations with close interest and have been kept fully informed of their progress. When full agreement has been reached between the Six Powers, which we hope will be in the near future, we16W shall be very ready, if invited to do so, to discuss with them the possibility of working out some practical form of association between the United Kingdom and the proposed High Authority for Coal and Steel. I think this attitude of His Majesty's Government is fully understood by the French and other Governments concerned.