HC Deb 10 February 1977 vol 925 cc803-4W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with representatives of the political parties in Northern Ireland on the arrangements for direct elections to the European Parliament.

Mr. Mason

None. But some of the parties have made known their views.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the present representation of Northern Ireland in the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mason

The United Kingdom's representation in the European Parliament is organised on a parliamentary basis.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether it is his intention that Northern Ireland should be one constituency for the purposes of direct elections to the European Parliament; and whether he intends to continue the use of single transferable votes for all elections in Northern Ireland with the exception of elections to the Westminster Parliament.

Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his policy towards the recommendation of the Select Committee on Direct Elections to the European Assembly that the number of seats should be three for Northern

many applications were received during that period; and how many were accepted into the RUC.

Mr. Dunn

The information is as follows:

Ireland; and what special steps he will take to see that both sections of the community of Northern Ireland are represented.

Mr. Mason

The Government are considering the Report of the Select Committee on Direct Elections.

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