§ Mr. Spearingasked the Prime Minister on what basis Her Majesty's Government were committed to the terms of the document on European union which she recently signed in Stuttgart.
§ The Prime MinisterWe agreed to the text of the solemn declaration after a lengthy negotiation in the course of which we secured deletion or amendment of those aspects of the original proposal which were not acceptable to us. In this process we took full account of the views expressed by the House in the debate which took place on 17 June 1982.
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§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the implication for the United Kingdom and for Parliament of the signing of the solemn declaration of European union.
§ The Prime MinisterThe solemn declaration reafirms the commitment of Member States to closer co-operation and brings together their activities in the Community and in political co-operation. It does not involve treaty amendment or changes in the powers of the Community institutions. The United Kingdom's Parliament's prerogatives in relation to European Community matters will in no way be affected.