HC Deb 28 June 1978 vol 952 cc1390-1
51. Mr. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EEC counterparts on the legal and political aspects of a dual mandate for directly-elected European Members of Parliament.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. John Tomlinson)

None.

Mr. Townsend

What lessons have the Government learned from the attitude of other European Governments that are faced with this problem? Do the Government rule out the dual mandate in any way?

Mr. Tomlinson

The policy of the Government is clearly laid down in the Green Paper, Cmnd. 6399, and in the White Paper, Cmnd. 6768. Our view is that the dual mandate should be optional, and the European Assembly Elections Act made provision for this. The views of other Governments have been made quite clear, and they are taking a similar view.

Mr. Raphael Tuck

In view of the ever-increasing load on Members of this House, both in Parliament and in their constituencies, and the increasing load on Members of the European Assembly, does my hon. Friend think that it is practicable for one person to be a member of both Assemblies? Does he think that it is possible for any one person to carry out his or her duties effectively in both Assemblies?

Mr. Alan Clark

You can do anything on £40,000 a year.

Mr. Tomlinson

That question must be directed primarily to the political parties in the process that they go through in determining their candidates. That is the point at which this matter will be considered.

Mr. Marten

As the question of membership of the European Assembly raises the question of pay for Members of that Assembly, if any, will the Minister propose at the next Council of Ministers that the Members of the Assembly, if any, should be paid the lowest pay of any country and that each national Parliament should top it up, according to its will?

Mr. Tomlinson

I am sure that the Foreign Secretary will think that that is a most interesting suggestion and will give it the consideration that it merits. My right hon. Friend also will probably want to consider the response that he had to the discussions that took place in the Council of Ministers. The Council invited views from the European Assembly.

Mr. Madden

Can my hon. Friend tell us when final decisions on salaries will be reached? Will he confirm that the British Government remain opposed to super salaries and allowances and that any British Euro-Members will be subject to the British rates of tax?

Mr. Tomlinson

No doubt my hon. Friend has seen the statement made by the Foreign Secretary after the Council of Ministers' meeting expressing the view that this matter should be resolved by the end of this year. I hope, as I am sure all hon. Members hope, that that will be the case.