§ Lord AYLESTONEasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ascertain and state what facilities in the way of access, use of libraries and refreshment rooms are provided as of right to members of the European Parliament when visiting the national assemblies of the Member States of the European Economic Community.
§ Lord CARRINGTONThe information requested is as follows:— 101WA
Facilities provided as of right to MEPs (other than those that are also Members of their own National Assembly in the Member State concerned) when visiting the National Assemblies of the Member States of the European Community MEPs of the Member State Indicated MEPs of other Member States Member States Access Use of Libraries Refreshment Rooms Other Facilities United Kingdom Not yet decided No special rights Belgium No facilities provided as of right. In practice granted access to at least the library on written request No special rights Denmark Yes Yes Yes Information Office Committee Offices and Administration Offices No special rights Federal Republic of Germany No facilities provided as of right. FRG MEPs are expected to use the facilities of the European Parliament in the first instance; such spare capacity as the Bundestag has would be available as a back-up No special rights France Yes (except three salons and a conference room near the Chamber) Yes Yes All other facilities No special rights Italy Yes Yes No Italian MEPs may use the writing rooms, bar, former Members' Gallery some administrative services including the research office No special rights Luxembourg Yes Yes No Restaurant All other facilities No special rights The Netherlands Yes Yes Yes All facilities except car parks Non-Dutch MEPs are eligible for all facilities but would not be given admission passes and would have to be escorted Republic of Ireland No special privileges as of right No special rights