HL Deb 21 June 1977 vol 384 cc661-2WA
Lord CHELWOOD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will summarise, country by country, the latest position of all European Community countries, including the United Kingdom, on the question of holding direct elections to the European Parliament in May or June 1978 showing in each case the stage legislation has reached; when it is expected to become law; and the system of election proposed.

The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)

I refer the noble Lord to the replies which I gave to his Questions on the 9th March and the 26th April. Since then I understand that the French National Assembly has adopted a Bill to ratify the Community Agreement and that legislation to implement the Agreement has been introduced in Ireland and in Germany. The Irish Government proposed the use of the STV system. The precise form of proportional representation to be used in Germany has not yet been decided.