European Economic Community (Hansard, 14 February 1972)

§ 48. Sir R. Russell
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the effect in chronological terms of Article 33 of the Treaty of Accession to the European Communities, Command Paper No. 4862–1, in conjunction with paragraph 5 of Protocol 16, on the export of agricultural, horticultural and pastoral foodstuffs from Australia to the United Kingdom.

§ Mr. Rippon
Article 33 of the Act concerning the Conditions of Accession and the Adjustments to the Treaties sets out the definitive arrangements for Community preference. Paragraph 5 of Protocol No. 16 thereto relates to arrangements to apply during the transitional period.

§ Sir R. Russell
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth 9W Affairs when he proposes to hold further talks with the Australian Government on commodities affected by the terms of entry into the European Economic Community.

§ Mr. Rippon
We have been in continuing touch with the Australian Government on this matter. Talks at official level are expected over the next few months.

§ Mr. John
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the rights, powers, liabilities, obligations and restrictions referred to in Clause 2(1) of the European Communities Bill which have already been created or have already arisen.

§ Mr. Rippon
The rights, powers, liabilities, obligations and restrictions referred to are such rights, powers, liabilities, obligations and restrictions created or arising by or under the Community Treaties as are directly applicable in Member States. Broadly speaking, regulations made under the European Economic Community and Euratom treaties are directly applicable in Member States, and some decisions made under the European Coal and Steel Community Treaty also create directly applicable law. Some provisions of the Community treaties themselves also have direct effect. It would not be practicable to list all the rights, powers, liabilities, obligations and restrictions referred to, but the Community treaties and the pre-accession series of Community secondary legislation from which these rights, powers, liabilities, obligations and restrictions are derived are available to the House and the public.