§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will make it their policy not to consent to any variation of the terms of the Brussels treaty proposed by the Council of the Western European Union before Parliament has had an opportunity to consider them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyA variation of the terms of the Brussels Treaty would require an amending treaty of protocol which would be laid before Parliament prior to ratification. The exercise by the Council of the WEU of powers given to it under the treaty on the other hand does not require treaty amendment. In exercising its vote in the Council, the Government are acting under the Royal Prerogative and are not required to consult Parliament. The House could, however, debate the question, as it can any other subject.