HC Deb 10 May 1973 vol 856 c181W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals have been made by the Commission to the Council of Ministers for increasing the powers of the European Assembly.

Mr. John Davies

In accordance with paragraph 15, sub-paragraph 2, of the summit communiqué, the Commission has now prepared a communication to the Council on the measures relating to the distribution of competences and responsibilities among the Community institutions and member States which are necessary to the proper functioning of an economic and monetary union. This communication (COM(73) 570 final of 19th April 1973) includes a section on the strengthening of the powers of the European Parliament. A copy of it is available in the Library.

The Council will consider the Commission's communication with the proposals for strengthening the powers of control of the European Parliament —and more specifically its budgetary powers—which the Commission has undertaken to make by 30th June 1973.