HC Deb 24 March 1972 vol 833 c381W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what privilege will be extended by the Court of the European Economic Community after ratification of the Treaty of Brussels to speeches of Members of Parliament in either House in respect of obligations or duties laid upon them by Community Treaties defined as such in Clause 1 of the European Communities Bill, or similar duties in respect of Clause 2.

Mr. Rippon

Given the nature of the jurisdiction exercisable by the Court of Justice of the European Communities there would appear to be no circumstances in which any question concerning the privileges enjoyed by Members of Parliament in respect of speeches in either House could arise in proceedings before the European Court.