§ 28. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is now his estimate of the date when he will introduce the Euro-passport.
§ Mr. JuddIt would be premature to make any forecast about the date of introduction of the British passport in the uniform European Community design.
§ Mr. MartenPresumably that would be so, because we have been promised a debate about it. Can the Minister say what are the outstanding areas of difference between his partners in the Community over the provision of this Euro-passport? Why are the Government so obstinate in refusing this House the right to decide the issue? I recognise that we have been offered a debate on the subject, but we have not been offered the right to decide it. That has to be done by the Foreign Minister using his Royal Prerogative. May we not have an agreement from the Government that the House should decide the matter?
§ Mr. JuddOn the second part of the question, I recognise the strength of feeling that exists in the House but I have nothing to add to what I said on this at a previous Question Time. On the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, to be candid, a great deal remains to be agreed. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will not be altogether discouraged by that. There is a great deal of argument about cover design and the languages to be used inside the passport, and I imagine that it will be some time before we are able to come to a decision.
§ Mr. SpearingIf the House is not to decide, and the Government take the decision and advise Her Majesty to exercise or withhold her Prerogative, as would be the constitutional position, are not the Government flouting the control of the House in saying that the executive in Brussels is superior not only to Her Majesty but to this House?
§ Mr. JuddI can assure my hon. Friend that the reason why we give so much priority to having a debate before a decision is made is to enable us to take the views of the House fully into account.