§ Q4. Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Prime Minister when the economic analysis of the effects of British entry to the European Economic Community on the terms of the Treaty of Rome will be made available to Parliament; and whether he will institute procedures whereby hon. Members may seek elucidation by interrogation of those charged with the duty of producing the analysis.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to what I said in reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition and other hon. Members on 6th October.—[Vol. 788, c. 601–5.]
§ Sir D. Walker-SmithDoes not the Prime Minister appreciate that that does not answer the second part of my Question? Does he agree that since the Foreign Secretary has warned us that this analysis will produce figures that may be qualified and imprecise there should be made available to hon. Members some opportunities beyond the catch-as-catchcan of Question Time for some steady and sustained processes of cross-examination?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not accept the right hon. and learned Gentleman's description of Question Time. His Question referred to "those charged with the duty of producing the analysis." Those charged with the duty of producing the analysis are Her Majesty's Ministers, and they are subject to questioning by this House.