HC Deb 23 June 1977 vol 933 cc1733-4
Q1. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland concerning direct elections to a European Assembly.

The Prime Minister (Mr. James Callaghan)

None recently.

Mr. Marten

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly have a word with the Irish Prime Minister about the whole principle of the inflated salaries of about £25,000 and allowances of about £25,000 which it is proposed to pay to the Members of the European Assembly, if any? Does he realise that it would cause great umbrage among the British people if they received that amount? Could the surplus over and above the salary of British Members of Parliament be collected from them, paid into the Consolidated Fund and redistributed to us?

The Prime Minister

I have seen references in the Press to the proposed salaries but I do not know whether they are right. If they are right, I regard them together with the allowances as grossly inflated beyond the responsibilities of the work to be done. I shall take note of the hon. Gentleman's interesting and ingenious suggestion.

Mr. Spearing

When the Prime Minister next meets the Prime Minister of Eire, will he draw his attention to the fact that we are now paying a levy of about £50 a ton on imports of wheat from Canada? Will he ask him whether he supports that levy in view of the fact that the forthcoming Euro-elections are to be for direct rule, which will determine such levies as Britain might pay? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the Leader of the Opposition would be wiser to allow her party a completely free vote, which my right hon. Friend has had the wisdom to give to those on the Government Benches?

The Prime Minister

I am sure that the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland will be interested to hear about our internal domestic arrangements. As for matters of legislation here, I have the feeling that he and I will be discussing rather different issues when we meet. He has already indicated to me—at least, he has already intimated publicly—that he will be seeking a meeting. As for the suggestion of my hon. Friend, it is not a bad idea, is it?

Mr. Dykes

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed the ease, skill and rapidity with which the French have processed ratification of and legislation for European direct elections, despite a reputation for a high degree of nationalism? With the introduction of the Bill on Friday, does the right hon. Gentleman hope to emulate the French example?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that I shall be discussing the French example with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, nor many other interesting matters which arise out of the European Community. I do not really like the use of the word "process" in respect of legislation in this House, especially after what we went through yesterday.

Mr. Kilfedder

Whether or not the Prime Minister of Eire supports direct elections to the Common Market, will the right hon. Gentleman seek to persuade him to sign the European convention on extradition?

The Prime Minister

It has always been our view that it would be a good thing for States to sign the convention, and that remains our policy. Although I express that view, I do not think it would be a good thing to begin by impressing that point on a newly-arrived Prime Minister.