§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ensure that explanatory notes submitted to European Standing 173W Committees are based on the terms of the directive; and if he will make it his policy to disregard in such notes expectations by his Department that changes might be permitted by the European Commission.
§ Mr. CurryExplanatory memoranda are the means by which Parliament is kept in touch with, and is able to comment on, draft EC legislation. All Government explanatory memoranda follow a standard format. This174W provides for a factual account of the documents under consideration, but it also allows for the inclusion of additional information, which may depart from the official text. The sole purpose is to keep Parliament as fully informed as possible, and we believe that this is generally welcomed by members of this House. We will try to ensure that all relevant information is included in such documents.