§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) to what extent the international status of the Channel Islands would be affected by Great Britain's leaving the European Community;
(2) if he will make a statement on the constitutional position of the Channel Islands in so far as this is affected by the referendum on British membership of the European Community; and specifically, what advice he has received about the rights or ability of the Channel Islanders to retain their present relationship with the Community in the event that Great Britain withdraws;
534W(3) if he will place in the Library a copy of such legal undertakings and other documents as now govern the relationship of the islands of Jersey, Guernsey and Sark with the European Community.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe relationship between the Channel Islands and the European Community is governed by Articles 25–27 of the Act concerning the Conditions of Accession and Protocol 3 to the Treaty of Accession, copies of which are already in the Library.
The constitutional position of the Channel Islands is not affected by the referendum on United Kingdom membership of the European Community; nor would their international status be affected by United Kingdom withdrawal.
The special arrangements for the islands contained in the Treaty of Accession would, however, lapse with the treaty. The future position of the islands in relation to the European Community, in the event of United Kingdom withdrawal, would fall to be considered in negotiation with the Community.