13 JANUARY 1973, Page 5

Weighty men?

Commissioners Soames and Thomson have been flatteringly described respectively, as Europe's 'foreign minister' and 'minister for the regions' in some of the reports dealing with the areas of interest — not of responsibility — they duly obtained when the thirteen members of the European Commission met in Brussels last Saturday. They have also been described as important politicians. Really? Important they may possibly become; but what political weight has Soames or Thomson ever been able to throw about? And what political weight do they now possess, as Brussels bureaucrats? Precious little; although Soames doubtless benefits from his Churchill connection and his waistline.