Q2. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Prime Minister whether he regards the date for direct elections which he agreed at the recent European Council as a binding commitment.
§ The Prime MinisterThe agreement of all the Members of the European Council to hold direct elections in the period 7th to 10th June 1979 was a political decision. The legal form is that under article 10 of the Council Act of 20th September 1976 the final decision will be taken by the Council of Ministers after consulting the Assembly. This will be after the Act of September 1976 enters into force following ratification by all member States.
Mr. MitchellNow that the date has been fixed, does my right hon. Friend agree that in the run-up to direct elections it is important that information concerning the Community should be presented as accurately as possible? Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the European Commission has not proposed the abolition of the Milk Marketing Board? Will he care to comment on Press stories about the daily doorstep delivery of milk?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that certain proposals have been put forward by the Commission that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is considering. However, I think that my hon. Friend and the House may take it as absolutely certain that we do not propose to be dictated to about the future of milk deliveries or the future of the Milk Marketing Board.
§ Mr. David SteelHas the right hon. Gentleman noticed the statement from the Labour Party yesterday that it proposes to contest the elections so that its hostility to the Community can be represented? Although the right hon. Gentleman does not have responsibility in the House for statements from the Labour Party, will he make it clear that that is not the attitude that the Government are bringing to the elections?
§ The Prime MinisterCandidates for the Labour Party will in due course fight according to their convictions. I have nothing to say about that at the moment.
§ Mr. George CunninghamIs it still my right hon. Friend's view that swift advance to economic and monetary union would be quite contrary to the interests of this country, and does he accept that the directly elected Parliament will be an immediate and major ally of the Commission in going for economic and monetary union as quickly as possible?
§ The Prime MinisterThat seems to be a long way away, and even further removed from the original Question than the earlier supplementary questions. I am not ready to go into details on that matter this afternoon.
§ Mr. MartenIs the right hon. Gentleman ready to go into other details? Will he give the House an assurance that we shall not take the final act of ratification of the elections, which we still have to take until the pay has been settled for the Members of the directly elected Assembly? Will he confirm that whatever the pay is, it will be taxable at United Kingdom rates?
§ Mr. Joel BarnettYes.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary says that the answer is "Yes". Is my right hon. Friend sure?
§ Mr. Joel Barnettindicated assent.
§ The Prime MinisterThat means that there is collective responsibility and open government at the same time. I am ready to assure the hon. Gentleman—woe betide my right hon. Friend if he is wrong—that these emoluments will be taxable. As for the relationship between—
§ Mr. MartenAt United Kingdom rates?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the pay will be taxable at United Kingdom rates. If everybody else knows the answer, I do not know why I am asked. I cannot give the hon. Gentleman an answer on the relationship between the act of ratification and pay. However, if he tables a Question I shall ensure that the answer is given to him.