§ Q8. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister what plans he has for further discussions with the Heads of other member States of the enlarged European Economic Community on the question of increased democratisation of the Community's institutions.
§ Mr. BarberI have been asked to reply.
At the summit meeting in Paris on 18th and 19th October, the Heads of Government agreed that they wish to strengthen the powers of control of the European Parliament and invited the Council and the Commission of the Communities to put into effect without delay the practical measures designed to achieve this reinforcement and to improve the relations both of the Council and of the Commission with the Assembly. My right hon. Friend has no plans at present for further discussions about this with other Heads of Government.
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§ Q11. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister what exchanges he has had with the Prime Minister of Australia on changed relations resulting from United Kingdom membership of the European Community.
§ Mr. BarberI have been asked to reply.
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister had full and useful discussions about this and other matters with the Australian Prime Minister last year. We have continued to keep in close touch with the Australian Government about aspects of our entry into the European Communities which affect Australia. My right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary visited Australia last June, and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade had talks here in July about trade matters.