§ 35. Mr. Deakinsasked the Lord President of the Council if he will ensure that Ministerial statements about Her Majesty's Government's attitudes to proposals for economic, monetary or political union within the European Economic Community are made first to the House of Commons.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. William Whitelaw)Yes, Sir. Statements to the House will continue to be made after each Ministerial meeting.
§ Mr. DeakinsIs not the Lord President of the Council aware of the grave disquiet among members of all parties about the statements being made in Europe by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to the effect that the Government are in favour of political unity with Western Europe—a vitally important topic which has never been discussed in the Chamber? If the Lord President cannot restrain the misplaced and somewhat boyish enthusiasm of the Chancellor of the Duchy, will he undertake to arrange an early debate in the House on this very important subject?
§ Mr. WhitelawThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that my right hon. Friend is, as I have previously promised, making a statement tomorrow. No doubt the hon. Gentleman will wish to put those comments to my right hon. Friend then.