HC Deb 25 January 1973 vol 849 c216W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Prime Minister if he intends that departmental Ministers are to be responsible to Parliament for secondary legislation emanating from the EEC Commission.

The Prime Minister

Departmental Ministers continue to be responsible to Parliament for the effects of all secondary legislation coming within their Department's sphere. This responsibility will naturally be limited by the fact that the European Commission is empowered by the treaties or secondary legislation to make or carry out regulations, directives and decisions and other comparable acts without specific reference to the Council of Ministers or member Governments, in certain limited fields.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Prime Minister if he will ensure that statements on proceedings in the EEC Council of Ministers are made by the appropriate departmental Minister.

The Prime Minister

Statements will normally be made by the Minister who has attended the meeting and can give the House a first-hand account. Usually this will be the Minister who is departmentally responsible for the subject discussed but there may be occasions, after meetings covering a wide range of subjects, when a single comprehensive statement will be appropriate.

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