andMr. McQuillan asked the Taoiseach whether in view of the acceptance of the political implications of membership of EEC he will state whether any discussions have taken place so far in the Fouchet Committee in relation to the siting of nuclear weapons and the training and disposition of forces in member countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Weapons.
5.
I have no information of any discussions of the kind suggested. As I stated in reply to a question on the 14th February, the Fouchet Committee have issued no official statement of their proceedings.
In view of the Taoiseach's advance promise that we would accept the policy and the defence commitments of the EEC, does the Taoiseach wish to convey to the Fouchet Commission that we would be prepared to accept the positioning of nuclear bases in this country?
Certainly not. Indeed, I understand that fixed nuclear bases are now obsolete.
Would the Taoiseach consider sending a copy of the benevolent cartoon by Low in today's Manchester Guardian to the two Deputies?
I would be glad to do so.
Is the Taoiseach in touch with the Fouchet Commission or any of the matters which are discussed by that body?
That is a separate matter altogether.
Is the Taoiseach in a position to make any statement in connection with the discussions taking place by the Fouchet Commission outside of any indications that may be made known?
I have said that we have had no official report of the proceedings of the Fouchet Commission but I think the Press reports suggesting that they are making no progress are fairly reliable.
Apart from the unofficial information available, is he aware that the British Government are giving informal information with regard to the activities of this Commission and surely the Taoiseach should consider it desirable, in view of the implication of what admission to the EEC may mean, that all sources of information should be sought by the Government in connection with the discussions under way in that Commission?
The most remarkable thing about the confidential proceedings of that Commission is that they appear to be reported in the papers next day and the Deputy can read them for himself.
That is no answer at all.