HC Deb 09 March 1983 vol 38 c832
63. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to meet the President of the European Community Commission to discuss the powers of the Commission.

Mr. Pym

I next expect to meet the President of the Commission at the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 and 15 March, but I have no plans to discuss the powers of the Commission with him.

Sir Anthony Meyer

Does my right hon. Friend agree that by far the best way to make the European Community acceptable to the British public is to extend the number of common policies that have been agreed, in particular in relation to energy, transport and the removal of barriers to internal trade?

Mr. Pym

The Commission's powers are laid down in the treaties. I see no need to change them, but I do see the need for an extension of common policies. One of the elements of our policy in the Community is to seek that widening of common policies in areas such as my hon. Friend mentioned.

Mr. Ioan Evans

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the hon. Member for Flint, West (Sir A. Meyer) has been the most consistent supporter of the EC in the House? Will the Foreign Secretary raise with the President of the EC the question of the use of Euro-funds and the selection procedure adopted in the new Clwyd constituency in North Wales, under which the Euro-Member was put on the short list by the Conservative Central Office?

Mr. Pym

I think that I should consider that carefully before I act upon the hon. Member's advice.