HC Deb 27 November 1970 vol 807 cc236-7W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in the negotiations for the entry of the United Kingdom into the European Economic Community, he will seek to ensure the entry of New Zealand dairy products to the United Kingdom market free of quotas, levies and duties after the end of any transitional period.

Mr. Anthony Royle

The British delegation has submitted proposals to deal with the problems of New Zealand exports of dairy products. These proposals are confidential, but we have asked for some form of continuing arrangements subject to review, in order that we can assess the position as we go along. We have no reason to suppose that there is any country in the Community which does not accept that this is a special problem which must be dealt with in a special way.

Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of Great Britain's negotiations to join the Common Market, he will give an assurance that the Channel Islands will for all purposes be regarded as part of the United Kingdom, or make a statement as to what changes will be proposed.

Mr. Anthony Royle

The Channel Islands are not an integral part of the United Kingdom. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has had some discussion with the representatives of the Channel Islands, but we have not dealt with their position in Brussels yet.

Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of Great Britain's application to join the Common Market, he will explain how the European Parliament deals with Parliamentary Questions, both oral and written; and whether, prior to finalising any agreement with the Six, he will propose changes from the present system.

Mr. Anthony Royle

Article 142 of the Treaty of Rome provides that the European Parliament shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

The procedure followed by the European Parliament in dealing with Questions is explained in Chapter 11 (eleven) of the European Parliament Rules of Procedure, which were published in the Journal Officiel of the European Communities of 20th November, 1967, a translation of which is in the Library of the House. (Oral answers are given in sessions of the Parliament. Written answers and reports of oral answers appear in the Journal Officiel.) It would not be appropriate for me to express views on the system at the present time.