HC Deb 19 November 1979 vol 974 cc12-3W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Lord Privy Seal what categories of European Community legislation, and what other resolutions or instruments of any other international body, are binding on Her Majesty's Government; and in which cases they require the approval of Parliament.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Under article 189 of the treaty establishing the EEC (Cmnd. 7460), regulations made by the EEC Council and Commission are binding on the United Kingdom, as are directives or decisions addressed to the United Kingdom: similar provisions apply under the ECSC and Euratom treaties. Proposals for Council legislation are subject to Parliamentary scrutiny in accordance with the undertaking given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in his reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Silverman) on 13 July.—[Vol. 970, c. 302.]

Leaving aside the powers of the Security Council to decide upon measures under articles 39 and 41 of the United Nations Charter to maintain or restore international peace and security, no other international body is empowered to adopt resolutions or instruments binding on Her Majesty's Government, save in relation to matters concerning the internal functioning of the particular international body. Where it is necessary to give effect to any binding resolutions or instruments of an international body in the law of the United Kingdom, the appropriate measures are brought before Parliament.

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