§ 5. Mr. TrimbleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to reform the procedures for the ratification of treaties. [36856]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Jeremy Hanley)There are no plans to change our procedures.
§ Mr. TrimbleI am sorry to hear that because I am sure that the Minister does not wish to see a repetition of the fiasco that we saw in the House when the Maastricht treaty was being ratified and approved in parliamentary terms. Therefore does he agree that it is desirable to bring treaty-making wholly within parliamentary control so that all aspects of such treaties which can have such a massive effect on the constitution of this country can be properly considered and examined by the elected representatives of the people?
§ Mr. HanleyI believe that ample opportunity is given for debating the provisions of a treaty, if Parliament so desires.