HC Deb 15 January 1996 vol 269 c408
42. Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Lord President of the Council what representations he has had regarding the importance of access by parliamentarians to EU institutions and to other European Union parliaments. [7484]

Mr. Newton

I have not had any recent representations on that matter.

Mr. Sheerman

The Lord President will be aware that many Labour Members who are pro-European are pro a democratic Europe, but not an Executive-driven Europe, and we believe that it is about time that domestic Parliaments' legislatures had access to Europe's institutions and not the measly one trip a year that is the current ration.

Mr. Newton

Over recent years, I have heard a number of suggestions on this matter, but none so far that seem to be sensible in relation to the purpose that the hon. Gentleman seeks.

Mr. Wilkinson

One trip a year is sufficient to understand what the purpose of the European Parliament is. Even to a casual visitor, it looks to be a towering Babel of neo-fascist proportions.

Mr. Newton

Knowing what I have heard over the years of my hon. Friend's views on these matters, I doubt whether he would have needed even one trip to form that conclusion.