HC Deb 22 March 1978 vol 946 cc1509-11
20. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the European Economic Community on the future location of the European Parliament.

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

The question was raised at the Foreign Affairs Council in January. There was agreement that under Article 216 of the Treaty of Rome the permanent site of the Assembly is a matter for decision by common accord of the Governments of the Member States".

Mr. Goodhart

If the European parliamentarians themselves decide to settle on Brussels and abandon the exhausting tours to Strasbourg and Luxembourg will the British Government support them?

Mr. Tomlinson

The President of the Assembly made it clear in correspondence that the Assembly's only concern with accommodation in Brussels was to secure adequate working conditions. This in no way prejudices the site of the future Parliament. The location of the Parliament is a matter for common accord of the Governments of member States.

Sir John Rodgers

Would it not be a good idea for the offices to remain in Brussels but the Assembly to be in some other place—preferably Strasbourg? Should we not drop Luxembourg?

Mr. Tomlinson

All kinds of people have all kinds of ideas about what is a good idea and what is not. The decision must be made by the member States.

Mr. Dykes

Will the British Government take the opportunity to discuss the location of other European institutions? When the European Export Bank is formed in due course, would it not be a good idea for it to be located in London?

Mr. Tomlinson

That is a very valuable point. The hon. Member will know from his own experience in the European Assembly how seriously we take the question of the location of certain European institutions.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Will the Minister confirm that the Council of Ministers can take no decision or initiative on its own and that the initial proposal will have to come from the newly-elected Parliament in due course?

Mr. Tomlinson

The Assembly can make any proposal that it wants. A decision will be made by common accord of the Council of Ministers, which has the power to do so under Article 216.

Mr. Fernyhough

Since France has maintained that it will veto any decision that is not in line with its wishes, and since Brussels is likely to do the same and Luxembourg feels equally deeply about this issue, will the Minister suggest that it would be a very good idea to transfer the European Parliament to the constituency of Jarrow?

Mr. Tomlinson

I readily recognise my right hon. Friend's interest. I was rather thinking of the National Exhibition Centre, in my constituency. That might have some use in this respect. I know that there have been reports in the Press, but I must point out that neither France nor Luxembourg has given any formal indications about the European Parliament. The site of the Assembly concerns both France and Luxembourg, of course, and their views will be taken into account along with those of other member States.