§ 52. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he intends to take the initiative in the next meeting of the Council of Ministers to propose a date for the first European direct elections.
§ Mr. JuddNo. The Council of Ministers is already reviewing the situation in member States in preparation for a discussion at the European Council in Copenhagen on 7th and 8th April. It is expected that a decision will be taken then.
§ Mr. DykesI thank the Minister for that reply. Now that the Foreign Secretary has got off his chest the dramatic and controversial fact that Britain is an island, will he redeem our flagging and, indeed, non-existent European reputation by offsetting the appalling delay in taking the direct elections Bill through the House?
§ Mr. JuddIt is well recognised that we are fully committed to the Community. On issues of great concern to the United Kingdom we represent our interests. In the context of doing that, we look for solutions that improve the well-being not just of our own people but of Europe as a whole.
§ Mr. JayHas the Minister any more information about the decision of the French Government to delay direct elections in that country until they have an assurance that the Assembly will not move to Brussels?
§ Mr. BudgenWill the Minister of State draw to the attention of the President his recent report in which he said that the Commission would do all in its power to ensure that direct elections were fought on major European issues? Will he tell the President that civil servants, no matter how grand and civilised, have no right to interfere in election issues? Will he tell him to mind his own business?
§ Mr. JuddI certainly can tell the House that it is the unqualified view of the British Government that direct elections will be fought by politicians on issues that they think important.
§ Mr. William HamiltonCan my hon. Friend say whether the British Government will put forward their date for direct elections?
§ Mr. HurdMay I press the Minister on this relevant issue? Will he tell us what proposals and what attitudes the Prime Minister will take with him to Copenhagen? The issue of direct elections is not like the date of the General Election, where the Prime Minister, by convention, carries his cards up his sleeve. This is a matter on which the House is entitled to have information about the Government's intentions.
§ Mr. JuddThe Bill has gone forward for consideration in another place. We shall have to see what progress it makes there before we can make any proposal.