HC Deb 15 November 1979 vol 973 c688W
Mr. Leighton

asked the Prime Minister what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards curtailing the volume of EEC legislation; what results have been achieved; and whether she will ensure that the United Kingdom will agree to no legislation being enacted by the EEC Council of Ministers, nor by any of its subordinate bodies or other Community institutions, unless the absence of such legislation would be detrimental to the public interest in the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

The Government examine each proposal for EEC legislation on its merits, with due regard for the public interest of the United Kingdom. They consider that Community legislation should in general be limited to those matters which cannot be handled adequately on a national basis and on which there is a clear case for adopting a common or uniform approach that can only be given practical effect by means of a legislative instrument at the Community level.