Mr Humphrey Atkins: No, Sir, it would not. I agree with my hon. Friend about the nature of the Falkland Islanders. They have made it extremely clear for many years that they want to remain British. I agree with my hon. Friend that the difficulty of maintaining a substantial force in the vicinity of the Falkland Islands is very great because of the enormous range between here and there.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: There have been regular meetings throughout March. Some progress has reportedly been made towards an agreed statement making use of the evaluation tabled by the United Nations Secretary General in November. I understand that, at a meeting on 17 March, the Secretary General's representative opened a new phase in the discussion, to deal with freedom of settlement, movement and property.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: It may be the hon. Gentleman's view that the talks have come to an end, but it is not the view of those taking part in the talks. In particular, a new phase of discussion has been opened by Mr. Gobbi. I do not know what President Kyprianou will tell the Secretary General of the United Nations next month when they meet. However, the talks are continuing. It is our view that they form the best...
Mr Humphrey Atkins: With regard to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question, Mr. Rolandis will be coming to see me in about four weeks' time. That will be a useful start, and I hope to go to Cyprus shortly afterwards. With regard to the Greek Cypriots' patience running out, I should draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that they are still engaged in talks with Mr. Gobbi.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: It has been made clear to us that a new initiative from us would not be welcome. My hon. Friend speaks of the talks having gone on for a long time. They have, but the evaluation tabled by the United Nations is only four months old.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: I raised the problem of British under-representation in the Commission services, which in fact applies only to certain levels, with the President of the Commission when I called on him in October last year, and wrote subsequently to the Commissioner responsible for personnel matters. Since then we have been in frequent touch with those concerned in the Commission at many levels, most recently...
Mr Humphrey Atkins: There is no shortage of applicants and agree that our nationals are under-represented. That is the point that I made to the President and to Mr. Pisani. They recognised the problem, which is not confined to Britain. Other more recently joined nations have the same problem and they are taking steps to set it right. That is a slow process, because vacancies do not occur all the time.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: The principle of the rate for the job should be applied throughout the Commission. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that there is no shortage of British applicants.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: Yes, Sir. That is the purpose of our representations, which are slowly having an effect.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: It would be more profitable to have a word with the present President.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: The forecast of business for the month of April was placed in the Library of the House on 29 March. In May it is expected that there will be meetings of the Agriculture, Steel, Social Affairs, Finance, Fiscal, Foreign Affairs and Energy Councils. As I told the House on 24 March, Foreign Ministers are to meet on 3 April to carry forward their discussions on the mandate.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: We believe that a settlement of the problem should be for a period of five years, or more if we can get it. However, I agree that a review at the end of whatever period is determined is essential.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: I hope that the matter will be resolved. As my hon. Friend knows, we are awaiting the Commission's proposals on the total allowable catches and quotas, which I hope will be forthcoming soon.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: No, Sir, that is not our intention.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: The Foreign Affairs Council devoted 23 March to a detailed discussion of the budget problem, the outcome of which I reported to the House on 24 March. The subject was further considered at the European Council and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be reporting on this shortly. Foreign Ministers will meet again on 3 April and will take as a basis for their discussion the suggestions...
Mr Humphrey Atkins: As my hon. Friend knows, our aim is not to scrap the CAP but to reform it. I agree with him that one reform that is needed is that not so much should be spent on producing goods in surplus.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: Before Spain and Portugal accede, we should have solved our immediate problems, because it would not be in the interests of the Community to enlarge without solving those problems.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: I paid an official visit to the Commission in October last year. I have no immediate plans for another formal visit, although I regularly meet the President and other members of the Commission in the course of normal Community business.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: A return to national aid for agriculture would be very expensive.
Mr Humphrey Atkins: We have received nearly all our money. I believe that a small amount remains to be paid, but we should receive it soon.
