HC Deb 20 May 1981 vol 5 cc284-6
38. Mr. Dykes

asked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made with the objectives of adjusting the Community's institutions to modern requirements.

40. Mr. Renton

asked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made in recent months on the revision of the Community's procedures.

Sir Ian Gilmour

The Committee of Three Wise Men made a number of proposals calculated to improve the functioning of Community institutions in its report which was submitted to the European Council. The report was broadly endorsed and those proposals which were agreed will be implemented.

Mr. Dykes

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Does he agree that in the age of economic nationalism, chauvinism in the Labour Party, and increasing isolationism among Left wingers in this country, it would be a good idea for all member States but particularly our own, to give renewed encouragement to the work of the Commission in creating a genuine common market? If the quid pro quo for less EEC legislation for harmonisation purposes is to be agreed, surely that must lead to greater encouragement by the Council of Ministers for the Commission's vital and essential work in creating a truly united Europe.

Sir Ian Gilmour

As my hon. Friend knows, we have made clear our views on harmonisation. I entirely agree with what he says about the important role of the Commission. It is for the Commission to put forward proposals and for the Council then to discuss and decide for or against them. I entirely agree that the proposing role by the Commission is absolutely vital.

Mr. Renton

Will my right hon. Friend also agree that, unfortunately, the general view of the Community is not "What does it do for us, but what does it do to us?" For this to change Community institutions and practices must also change. What progress does my right hon. Friend hope to make in creating these changes during the six months of Britain's Presidency?

Sir Ian Gilmour

I doubt whether institutional reform will be high on the agenda because, as I have already told the House and as my hon. Friend will be aware, restructuring will take up a great deal of the time, energy and thought of all member States. I am doubtful about how much institutional reform there will be, although there restructuring will take up a great deal of the time, energy and thought of all member States. I am doubtful about how much institutional reform there will be, although there may be some in political co-operation. I shall naturally bear my hon. Friend's remarks in mind. I agree with him that Community institutions, like all institutions, evolve with the times.