§ Sir Anthony Meyerasked the Lord Privy Seal which of the recommendations of the reports by the "Three Wise 385W Men" and by the Spierenburg Committee have been implemented; whether discussions are still proceeding on the major matters raised in the reports; and what initiatives Her Majesty's Government intend to take with the United Kingdom's partners to improve the workings of the Community institutions.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsThe conclusions of the European Council on the report of "The Three Wise Men" were circulated in theOfficial Reporton 1 June 1981 in reply to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing). Discussions are continuing between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament on the implementation of the proposed improvements in the conciliation procedure.
Implementation of the Spierenburg report on the internal organisation of the Commission is a matter for the Commission. Many of the proposals have been implemented.
The United Kingdom Government have no specific initiative in mind but are engaged in discussions with other member States of the draft Act on European union which includes a number of proposals designed to improve the working of Community institutions. The result of these discussions will be reported back to a future meeting of the European Council and I note that the Select Committee on European Legislation &c. has recommended the draft Act for further consideration by the House.