§ Q12. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister in view of the fact that since the last time that the House of Commons came to a decision on matters pertaining to Great Britain's entry into the Common Market there has been a change of Government and a more than 33 per cent. change in the membership of the House of Commons, what proposals he has for obtaining the decision of the House.
§ The Prime MinisterWe have opened negotiations for entry to the European Communities on fair and equal terms. Until negotiations are concluded the question of a decision by the House does not arise.
§ Mr. LewisNo doubt unwittingly and unconsciously, the Prime Minister has evaded my Question. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked him to note that neither the electorate nor this House had had an opportunity to decide whether we should or should not even apply to negotiate? I suggested that the electorate or this House—it is, perhaps, no longer possible for the electorate to take this step, but it is still possible for the House to do so—should have an 239 opportunity of deciding whether there should be negotiations.
§ The Prime MinisterThe House in general has accepted—
§ The Prime MinisterI was about to say that authority for the Government to proceed, whether given to the preceding Government or to the present Government, was given by the House in the debate which then led to the beginning of negotiations. I believe that that is the correct position.
§ Mr. LewisOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Prime Minister's reply and the fact that he does not appear to have read my Question, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Notice should be given in the conventional way.