HL Deb 29 November 1982 vol 436 c1129WA
Lord Chelwood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (i) why, as they agree that it is desirable that all Community nationals should be able to vote in European Parliament elections, legislation to provide for this is in any way dependent on unanimity in the Council of Ministers about a uniform procedure, since this does not apply where the electoral procedure is concerned;
  2. (ii) when the Council of Ministers will consider the above matter, and whether this will allow sufficient time to introduce the necessary legislation and for it to become effective before the next European election;
  3. (iii) whatever their replies to the two previous questions, whether they will introduce the required legislation at once.

Lord Elton

The Council of Ministers is already considering the European Parliament's proposals for a uniform electoral procedure. Under the Community Treaties, no such procedure can come into force until it has received the unanimous agreement of the Council. The Government do not propose to introduce legislation changing the franchise at European Parliament elections before agreement is reached. It is still not clear whether this will happen in time for the 1984 elections.