Speaker Walter Hallstein on the laureate:

‘England’s relationship with Europe has always been special; different from that of the continental countries. […] Although in the young and short history of European integration, which will soon show its face at the beginning of the global era of world history, England finally took hesitant and belated steps towards our European Community; our hope is that this is a new and final expression of that distinctive relationship. […] But on June 26, 1950 a young member held his maiden speech at the English parliament. He said, “A long time ago it was said in this house that broad-mindedness in politics is often true wisdom. Tonight I appeal to the government to follow this dictum and to join the Schuman Plan.” The name of that speaker was Edward Heath.’