asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany.

I would refer the hon. Member to the joint communique issued on 16th January at the end of the visit of Chancellor Erhard and Dr. Schroeder to this country.

Is not the Foreign Secretary aware that that was a purely formal statement? Is it not unfortunate that there has been a fuller report on German television than that provided to this House? Is the Foreign Secretary aware of the widespread concern that an understanding was reached with Dr. Erhard and Herr Schroeder that a Conservative Administration would resume negotiations to join the European Economic Community on the orginal terms? In view of the concern which exists, will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that that did not take place?

Yes, Sir. I am very ready to make perfectly clear that that did not take place.