§ LORD O'HAGANasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware that Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act 1919 are in conflict with the United Kingdom's responsibilities as a member of the E.E.C.; and how they propose to resolve this conflict.
§ LORD DRUMALBYNSections 6 and 7 have been repealed. In the opinion of Her Majesty's Government no conflict with Community obligations arises in respect of Section 3. Provisions similar to those in Sections 4 and 5 exist in a number of other Member States of the Community and, at the present time, Her Majesty's Government are not satisfied that these provisions necessarily conflict with Community obligations. Moreover, in so far as any conflict might arise by reason of any provision of Community law held to have direct internal effect in the United Kingdom, the Community law would automatically prevail by reason of the provisions in Part I of the European Communities Act 1972. The matter is, however, being further studied and I will write to the noble Lord in due course; but some time may elapse before I am able to do so.