HC Deb 21 March 1972 vol 833 cc318-9W
Q10. Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination of policies between the Ministers attending the meeting of the European Council of Ministers on 20th and 21st March, 1972; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Yes. My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, accompanied by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, attended yesterday a meeting of Ministers of the Ten to prepare for the Summit meeting later this year.

Q23. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the decision of the President of France to hold a referendum to enable the people of France to decide whether the European Economic Community should be enlarged to include Great Britain and other applicants, he will now take similar action to enable the people of Great Britain to make their own decision on the question.

Q25. Sir D. Walker-Smith

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of President Pompidou's decision to hold a referendum in France on the question of the entry of Great Britain and other applicant countries to the European Economic Community, he will now initiate a referendum in Great Britain.

The Prime Minister

Other countries have their own constitutional procedures; we have ours, and we shall hold to them. Successive Governments have reaffirmed the long-established tradition in this country that decisions on questions of this kind are taken by the elected representatives of the people in Parliament.

Q26. Mr. Edward Taylor

asked the Prime Minister if he will now take steps to clarify the position on Great Britain's application to join the Common Market if the people of France decide, in their referendum, that the Community should not be enlarged.

The Prime Minister

The entry into force of the Treaty of Accession is dependent on its ratification by all the existing member States "in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements". Each country has its own constitutional requirements; and constitutional procedures in France are a matter for the French Government.