Mr Donald Fleming (Conversations)

Q7.

Mr. Donnelly
asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his conversations with Mr. Donald Fleming, Finance Minister of Canada.

The Prime Minister
As I told the House in answer to Questions last week, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal said on 27th November.

Mr. Donnelly
Is the Prime Minister aware that, throughout the conduct of the Common Market negotiations, there will always be a danger of precisely this kind of misunderstanding occurring again? What steps does he propose to take to ensure that there are not these accusations of bad faith once more?

The Prime Minister
I trust that they will not take place. I think that the whole question was very adequately discussed in the House, and I do not think that I can add to it in supplementary question and answer now.

Mr. Healey
In view of the very widespread and publicly expressed dissatisfaction in Canada, and particularly in Canadian Government circles, at the way in which the British Government have handled Canadian interests so far in the negotiations, will the Prime Minister consider visiting Ottawa either before or after his forthcoming visit to meet the American President in Bermuda?

The Prime Minister
I have several times been to Canada, of course, and I am always happy to do so. I shall bear that in mind. I was hoping that either that might be possible or that the Prime Minister himself could find time to visit our country.

Mr. Emrys Hughes
On his way to Ottawa, if he thinks of going there, will the Prime Minister think of calling in at Dublin?

The Prime Minister
Shannon used to be on the way to Ottawa. Bermuda is not.