HC Deb 16 July 1975 vol 895 cc1495-6
28. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Council of Ministers that direct elections to the Common Market Assembly should not be instituted.

Mr. Hattersley

The EEC Treaty contains a commitment in Article 138 to the eventual introduction of direct elections. The Council will, of course, have to give the most careful consideration to the sub- ject before any recommendation is made to the member States about when and by what methods this might be put into practice. The Government are examining the question thoroughly in preparation for further discussions. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 9th June, this is a matter for consideration by all parties in this House.

Mr. Cryer

Does my right hon. Friend agree that before the referendum the Prime Minister said that the treaty would be applied flexibly? Does he accept that the referendum in no way committed us to direct elections? Does he not also agree that direct elections in for instance, a system which provides one representative for 11 parliamentary constituencies would be essentially undemocratic and a further step along the road towards a complete erosion of the powers of this Parliament?

Mr. Hattersley

Many of us spent a long time convincing my hon. Friend and others that the treaty could and would be applied flexibly. That remains our purpose and intention. As my hon. Friend will realise from a previous answer, there are a variety of attitudes towards direct elections. A large number of people who voted against British continued membership are, I understand, in favour of direct elections, and some who voted for continued membership are not in favour of direct elections. That demonstrates that there has to be a long period of consideration. This is a constitutional matter, and parties and interests outside have to be consulted. When the Government have heard their views and come to a conclusion they will report to the House.

Mr. Maudling

Will the Minister confirm that the Prime Minister would not agree with the definition of his hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Mr. Cryer) that the meaning of the word "flexibility" should be extended to include a total disregard of solemn obligations?

Mr. Hattersley

Yes, that is why the initial sentence of my answer reminded my hon. Friend and the House that under Article 138 of the treaty we are committed to direct elections at some time in some form. That is our obligation, and it is one we must observe.