HL Deb 28 March 1974 vol 350 cc723-4

3.13 p.m.

LORD CROOK

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is correct that four ex-Members of Parliament (viz: one who lost his seat at the recent Election and three others who did not seek reelection) remain eligible to continue as members of the European Parliament for a period of six months.

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (LORD SHEPHERD)

My Lords, as a consequence of the rules of procedure of the European Parliament (Rule 4(2)) and of a Standing Order made in another place on February 8, 1974, the answer is in the affirmative.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether it is true to say that the persons who have been selected to go to Brussels have been selected by the Whips of the respective Parties, and not by the Brussels Commission or Council of Ministers? If they have been selected in this country by the Whips, or by the respective Parties, have not the respective Parties a right to withdraw them?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, in the first instance, in regard to the four members concerned, since they were designated by another place this is a matter for that other place and I hesitate to comment on what solution it might find to this matter.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, what about those members who have been selected from your Lordships' House?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, that matter does not arise on this particular Question.

THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

My Lords, would the noble Lord agree that there is some case in a democratic Parliament for ensuring that its representatives to Brussels are democratically elected?

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, like my noble friend Lord Wells-Pestell, I must reply that that is another question.