§ Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussion has taken place in the Council of Ministers of the EEC on the future pay and allowances of directly elected members of the European Parliament since his reply to the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Dykes) on 30th November 1977 Official Report, column 258–9; what is the legal authority for such discussion; and whether the Council of Ministers can take a decision on these matters in the absence of a proposal from the European Parliament or the European Commission.
720W
§ Mr. JuddI would refer the hon. Member to the explanation of these matters which I gave the House on 16th February.—[Vol. 944, c. 753–60.] Study of the problem by member States is continuing under the auspices of the Council of Ministers.