HC Deb 18 March 1974 vol 870 c662
40. Mr. Silvester

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will move to implement the proposal to set up a committee for the scrutiny of European Community Secondary Legislation.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Edward Short)

I hope to indicate to the House the Government's views with regard to the establishment of such a committee later today.

Mr. Silvester

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. I shall await his statement.

Mr. Marten

As I do not have quite so much patience as my hon. Friend, may I urge the right hon. Gentleman to indicate the points upon which the Government do not agree with the report?

Mr. Short

I hope to develop the point later today. It is rather a lengthy matter, but I have promised to give the House a detailed statement of our views on the report very quickly.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

As the previous Government nominated to the European so-called Parliament in Strasbourg persons who voluntarily decided that they did not want to be British Members of Parliament, may I have an assurance from my right hon. Friend that he will not emulate their example by appointing to such a committee non-elected people who have no desire or intention to be Members of Parliament, at £120 a day tax-free expenses?

Mr. Short

I hope to answer a Question on the matter in a few minutes.