§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, consequent to the oral reply of the Prime Minister on 29th June, he will list the sequence of events subsequent to any agreement related to direct elections to the EEC Assembly, particularly in respect of motions that may need to be tabled in the House.
§ Mr. HattersleyThe procedures will be to some extent dependent on the legal form of the scheme, which has still to be settled. The sequence of events that would apply if there is to be a Convention, as proposed by the Assembly itself, was fully explained by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister during the debate on direct elections on 29th March including, in particular, the Government's intention to seek Parliament's approval of a draft Order in Council under Section 1(3) of the European Communities Act. Whatever legal form is chosen the Government will ensure that Parliament has an opportunity to examine the text and consider proposals for its implementation.