§ Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether it is the consistent practice of Her Majesty's Government to refer to the Assembly of the European Communities, as defined in section one of the European Assembly Elections Act 220W 1978, as the European Parliament; whether this practice was under the present Administration and, if so, when; and what are her reasons for adopting this practice.
§ The Prime MinisterThe term "Assembly" appears in the treaties, but the institution has described itself since 1962 as the "European Parliament" and this term is generally in use throughout the Community. We accepted this usuage on taking office, as did the previous Conservative Administration. Whatever terminology is used, the nature of the institution is not in doubt. We will continue to use the term "Assembly" in legal texts or where it is necessary to distinguish that institution from Parliament in Westminster.