HC Deb 07 April 1971 vol 815 cc237-8W
Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can now state to what extent United Kingdom membership of the European Economic Community would in itself affect English criminal law and practice.

Mr. Carlisle

Membership of the European Economic Community would not of itself affect the present criminal law and practice in England and Wales.

Mr. Crouch

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the United Kingdom's entry into the Common Market will mean that the principle that a man is innocent unless proved guilty will be replaced by the continental rule which demands that a man prove his innocence or be judged guilty.

Mr. Carlisle

This fundamental principle of our law would be in no way impaired.