§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Prime Minister what action he has agreed to or authorised in respect of the annex I entitled "Reference in the treaty to European Parties", in the draft treaty on European Union; and when, and under what circumstance, the places and formulation of such reference will be determined.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 19 December 1991]: It is for the presidency to propose a precise formulation and place in the treaty for such a reference before signature.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Prime Minister if he will state which body or bodies will define which associations or foundations are deemed charitable, in respect of the declaration on co-operation with charitable associations in pursuing the objectives of either version of article 117 in the draft treaty on European union.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 19 December 1991]: Declarations by the inter-governmental conference have political rather than legal force, and the existing arrangements for defining charitable status are not affected. In the case of the United Kingdom, the competent body remains the Charity Commission.