Foreign Minister of France (Meeting)

Oral Answers to Questions — Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 21 July 1969.

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Photo of Mr Simon Digby Mr Simon Digby , West Dorset 12:00, 21 July 1969

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he now plans to meet the Foreign Minister of France, Monsieur Schumann.

Photo of Mr Michael Maitland Stewart Mr Michael Maitland Stewart , Fulham

I have no specific plans to do so, but I hope an opportunity will arise before long.

Photo of Mr Simon Digby Mr Simon Digby , West Dorset

Regardless of the British application to join the Common Market, is it not important to improve relations with our neighbour and old ally, France? Will the right hon. Gentleman take the earliest possible steps to meet his opposite number?

Photo of Mr Michael Maitland Stewart Mr Michael Maitland Stewart , Fulham

Yes. I accept what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Photo of Mr John Biffen Mr John Biffen , Oswestry

As soon as the right hon. Gentleman does get the opportunity to meet M. Schumann, will he point out that the common agricultural policy is an extravagant absurdity for the British to contemplate and that we are not prepared to enter negotiations with a view to becoming the receiving ground for agricultural surpluses from continental Europe?

Photo of Mr Michael Maitland Stewart Mr Michael Maitland Stewart , Fulham

If I am able to have an opportunity to meet my French colleague, I must judge for myself what it will be best to say.

Photo of Mr Arthur Blenkinsop Mr Arthur Blenkinsop , South Shields

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the agricultural position in France, as elsewhere in Europe, is likely to change in a period of time?