§ 1. Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further communications he has now had with the French and other European Governments about the future venue of the European Parliament.
§ 11. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his latest discussions about elections to the European Parliament.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)Communications between Governments are confidential.
The question of direct elections to the European Parliament, for which there is provision in the European Economic Community Treaty, has been under discussion in Europe for many years. There have been no recent developments. The general question of the future institutional development is for discussion at the European Summit conference.
§ Mr. LoveridgeI am grateful for that answer. Would my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that the 3 great Parliament of Europe should have its meeting place in one of the capitals of Europe? Would he assure our French friends that if Paris were to be chosen as the venue, we should all be delighted?
§ Mr. RipponI appreciate that right hon. and hon. Gentlemen on both sides of the House have a great love of Paris—for all purposes. As for the location of the European Parliament, Article 216 of the Treaty of Rome provides that the seat of the institutions of the Community shall be determined by the common accord of the Governments of the Member States.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my right hon. and learned Friend realise that many of us who are most strongly in favour of British entry into the European Community are also strongly in favour of the democratisation of the institutions of the EEC? Does he accept the view that Britain has a particularly important rôle to play in taking an initiative in this respect?
§ Mr. RipponHer Majesty's Government are well aware of the importance of this subject. Again, right hon. and hon. Gentlemen on both sides of the House have demonstrated the importance that they attach to the control of the powers of the European Parliament.
§ Mr. MartenCould my right hon. and learned Friend explain why this institution, the Common Market, takes so long to make up its mind about something which is relatively simple? Would it not be better, rather than going to Paris, to have this Parliament, if it ever materialises, in the romantic and picturesque place called the Ruhr Valley, which will be the centre of Europe anyhow?
§ Mr. RipponThe meetings of the European Parliament, or the European Assembly, are divided between Strasbourg and Luxembourg and some of the committee meetings are held in Brussels. All these are matters for general agreement.