HL Deb 06 February 1974 vol 349 cc896-7WA
THE EARL OF LAUDERDALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To state their reasons for declining to agree to an open elective process for the future choice of Parliament's Delegates to the European Parliament in place of the private non-elective process of consultation through the usual channels.

THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (LORD WINDLESHAM)

As I said in a debate on this subject on October 24 last and in an Answer to a Written Question on January 17, Her Majesty's Government have an open mind as to the future but that we would not wish to propose any change from the present well precedented procedures at this stage. The Government believe that it is desirable for both Houses to keep in step on a matter of this sort and also that there should be full consultations before change is made. A decision on the part of the Labour Party to be represented at the European Parliament would be a factor in the timing of discussion in the sort of issue which the noble Lord has raised.