Lord CHELWOODasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will summarise the present position of all EEC Member States, including the United Kingdom, on the question of holding Direct Elections to the European Parliament in May or June 1978, showing in each 1152WA case the stage reached in draft legislation and when it is expected to become law.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)Although some Member States (including Italy, Luxembourg, Brussels and the Netherlands) have introduced legislation relating to the adoption of the provisions of the direct elections instrument, none has yet introduced the legislation necessary to implement it. I am unable to forecast when such legislation will be complete. As noble Lords will know, Her Majesty's Government will publish a White Paper in the next few weeks as the basis for further consultation and discussion. The White Paper will then be debated. Decisions on the final form of the Government's legislation will be taken in the light of the response to the White Paper and the debate.