§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those European directives in relation to which Her Majesty's Government have (a) requested the European Commission and (b) received permission from the Commission, for delays or derogations in meeting their terms; what were the reasons for these requests and the corresponding articles under which these requests have been made and the dates by which the Government expect to be able to comply with Community legislation in each case.
§ Mrs. ChalkerDelays or derogations are agreed in the course of negotiations on draft legislation in the Council machinery; they are discussed with the Commission but the power of decision rests with the Council. So far as informal understandings with the Commission in connection with the implementation of that legislation are concerned, this information is not readily available and could be collected only at disproportionate cost.