§ Mr. Spearingaskd the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the rules, standing orders or similar instruments that prevent Heads of Governments making available to their legislatures or Parliaments the text of substantive documents to be considered at the EEC Council (Heads of States).
§ Mr. HattersleyThere are no such specific rules, but it would generally be inappropriate to publish documents which are regarded in the Community as confidential following discussion in the Council of Ministers, particularly when they are still subject to negotiation between Governments.