Wilson gets vote for E.E.C., loses Minister

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33815, 11 April 1975, Page 10

Wilson gets vote for E.E.C., loses Minister

• .V.Z.P.A Reuter —Copj/nghri LONDON. April 10. The British Prime Minister (Mr Wilson) gained the overwhelming I louse of Commons vote he sought for approval of the improved terms of membership of the Common Market last night. But he was forced to sack a rebel Minister and saw the split in the Labour Party widen.

The three-day dehate ended in support by 196 votes Io 170 lor the neu terms, and culminated in the sacking of Mr Eric Heller, the Minisfer-of-State who was Mr Anthony’ Wedg-wood-Benn’s assistant in the Department of Industry. More Labour members voted against the Labour Government’s policy than supported it, but Mr Heffer was the only Minister to ignore a directive not to debate against the Government line. Mr Heffer. who was in

trouble last year, when he opposed the Government over its arms sales to Chile, was cheered by many Labour members when he said that Britain should leave Europe. According to an unofficial analysis. 145 Labour members voted against the Government. and 133 votes for the motion. The rest of the 318 Labour Members of Parliament abstained or were absent. The anti-Market voters included seven of Mr Wilson’s 23-strong Cabinet. Sack expected Although it was a “free” —non-party—vote, the split showed that Mr Wilson faces more trouble and bitterness as he tries to keep Britain in

Europe and avoid a major j party crisis. Mr Wilson strode from the chamber immediately aftei the division and dictated a letter to Mr Heffer which told him that he was no longer a Minister The letter read: “Dear Eric, Your deliberate decision o to speak against the Government’s motion in today’s debate, although you had been informed of the Cabinet’s decision that Ministers who dissented from the Government’s recommendation should not speak in the debate, makes it impossible for me to retain you in the Government.” The Press Association quoted, Mr Benn. Secretary of State for Industry', as saying he greatly regretted the dismissal of Mr Heffer. “He has worked hard and loyally for the Labour Government over this last year and his contribution as a Minister in the Department of Industry, has been outstanding.” Mr Benn said. Mr Hefler said tonight thar he felt no bitterness about' being sacked. “I expected the; Prime Minister to do it,” he I said

He said he had increasingly found himself disagreeing with Government policy. The Government had failed to cut arms expenditure, the Shrewsbury pickets had not been released, and the social contract was being used as a means of holding down workers’ wages.