HC Deb 17 December 1970 vol 808 cc423-5W
86. Mr. Elystan Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an undertaking that no agreement to enter the European Economic Community will be entered into between the United Kingdom and the Common Market Commission before the opinion of the people of Great Britain is first directly tested in any way deemed appropriate by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Rippon

No.

If the negotiations succeed and Parliament is invited to approve an Instrument of Accession to the Treaties of the Communities, all aspects of the matter will be the subject of full consideration and discussion in Parliament.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give an assurance that he will instruct the United Kingdom negotiators on entry into the European Economic Community not to reach any agreement, or to discuss any proposal, which would limit the power of Parliament to decide what terms and conditions would be acceptable for Great Britain's entry, and that no agreement can be entered into or discussed concerning the time needed for introducing or debating the necessary legislation for Great Britain's entry as this is a matter which must first be decided by Parliament.

Mr. Rippon

If the negotiations succeed and Parliament is invited to approve an Instrument of Accession to the Treaties of the Communities, all aspects of the matter will be the subject of full consideration and discussion in Parliament. I am sure that the Communities are well aware of this.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the need to consult public opinion on the question of Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, he will give the reasons why he will not move to appoint a Select Committee to study methods of ascertaining public opinion.

Mr. Rippon

If the negotiations succeed and Her Majesty's Government brings before Parliament an instrument of accession to the Treaties of the Communities, I see no reason to depart from the normal procedure whereby all aspects of the matter will be the subject of full consideration, discussion and decision in Parliament.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why during the present negotiations for Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, he will not seek to arrange for a group of hon. Members from the House of Commons to attend as observers at the negotiations in Brussels, such group to consist of one-third from those who oppose entry, one-third in favour, and one-third who have not so far declared their views on this subject.

Mr. Rippon

The proceedings of the negotiating meetings with the European Communities are confidential, but hon. Members are informed of progress in the negotiations through the regular statements which I make to the House. I do not believe, nor do I believe the other parties to the negotiations would believe, that their pace or effectiveness would be enhanced by the attendance of observers, whose presence at negotiating meetings of this kind is neither traditional nor usual.