HC Deb 08 May 1996 vol 277 cc144-5W
30. Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which EU member states attending the intergovernmental conference are supporting the United Kingdom Government's opposition to a further extension of qualified majority voting. [27224]

Mr. David Davis

Most other member states support some extension of qualified majority voting. However, they do not all agree where specifically it should apply. Some link extension to other issues, such as EC payment for policies which may be foisted upon them in consequence—for example, in the environmental area—and reweighting of votes. The position is therefore complex and will no doubt develop as the negotiations continue.

25. Mr. O'Hara

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will meet the new Italian Prime Minister to discuss the Italian presidency of the intergovernmental conference. [27218]

Mr. Davis

My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary expects to meet the new Italian Prime Minister soon after he has been sworn in.

28. Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report on the progress of the intergovernmental conference. [27221]

Mr. Davis

The second ministerial session of the IGC took place on 22 April. There have been six working group sessions to date. The next ministerial session is on 13 May.