§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will review the provisions of New Clause No. 8 added in Committee to the European Elections Bill in the light of the decision of the Court of the European Community in the case of the Italian Tax Revenue Administration v. S.A. Simmenthal, Monza, and of the assurances given during the discussion of the clause on 2nd February; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JuddMy right hon. Friend does not consider the decision of the Court relevant to the purpose of new Clause 8 of the European Assembly Elections Bill subsequently renumbered Clause 6. The decision restated the principle of priority of directly applicable Community law over national law as elaborated in earlier cases. Clause 6 is designed to ensure that no treaty which provides for any increase in the powers of the European Assembly shall be ratified by the United Kingdom unless it has been authorised by Act of Parliament.