Oral Answers to Questions — France

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 November 1972.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mrs Renée Short Mrs Renée Short , Wolverhampton North East 12:00, 28 November 1972

asked the Prime Minister when he next intends to seek to make an official visit to France.

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I have at present no plans to do so, Sir.

Photo of Mrs Renée Short Mrs Renée Short , Wolverhampton North East

Is the Prime Minister aware of the French Government's concern about the high level of British investment in French industry? Not including oil, banking, insurance and property it amounted last year to £250 million, and in the first eight months of this year an additional £200 million was invested in French property. That is all investment that should have been made in Britain. Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that French imports into Britain have risen by 32 per cent. in the first six months of this year compared with the same period last year? Does he not think that there are serious problems here, particularly in view of our entry into the Common Market, and should he not take this up with the French Government?

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I should like to check the hon. Lady's figures before I accept them. It is well known that British investment has been going into France and into other Community member States. The first series of investments which the hon. Lady quoted give rise to invisible income which further extends the large amount of invisibles and the important part they play in our balance of payments. British investment provides an outlet for British production and, as we are moving into the Common Market, it is natural that this should occur. Of course we shall also expect investment from other members of the Common Market to come into Britain.

Photo of Mr David Crouch Mr David Crouch , Canterbury

May I suggest to my right hon. Friend that when he does make this journey to France he considers travelling by road and sea instead of by air? He would then have the opportunity of realising some of the dangers of travelling to Dover on the A2, which is in part only 18 ft. wide. Perhaps my right hon. Friend would see some of the difficulties which I and the Secretary of State for the Environment are facing.

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

With respect to my hon. Friend and to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, they are not the only people who are facing dangers of this kind. The A2 runs straight through my own county. I frequently travel on it and am well aware of the problems. That is one reason why Government Ministers have taken up the position they have in the Community in discussing axle weights and the overall size of lorries.