§ 32. Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if European Economic Community political union will be on the agenda for the next meeting of the Council of Ministers.
§ Mr. RifkindNo.
§ 54. Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards European Economic Community political union since the Milan summit.
§ Mr. RifkindThe subject of political union has not been under discussion. The Luxembourg European Council agreed on a treaty on co-operation in the sphere of foreign policy, on the basis of a United Kingdom draft, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister reported to the House on 5 December at column 429–30. On 17 December Ministers agreed the text of a European Act covering both the agreed amendments to the EC treaty and the new, separate treaty on co-operation in the sphere of foreign policy.
§ 72. Mr. Jame Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the objectives of European Economic Community political co-operation will be better served by incorporating them into the European Economic Community treaty.
§ Mr. RifkindThe treaty on European Co-operation in the sphere of foreign policy agreed at the Luxembourg European Council will remain legally separate from the Treaty of Rome and the other Community treaties. There is no question of incorporating it into those treaties.
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§ 85. Miss Maynardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what benefits he expects to gain from the European Economic Community commitment to increased political co-operation.
§ Mr. RifkindThe draft treaty on European co-operation in the sphere of foreign policy will formalise current practices of European Political Co-operation. Regular consultation on matters of foreign policy, reaching common positions and taking joint action wherever possible, strengthens the Community's voice in the world, and, through it, Britains influence on international issues.
§ 95. Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on increased political co-operation by European Economic Community Government.
§ Mr. RifkindA draft treaty on European co-operation in the sphere of foreign policy was agreed in principle at the European Council in Luxembourg. This treaty formalises the current practices of European political co-operation and makes binding the commitment to consult among the twelve on matters of foreign policy of interest to all member states. The treaty is based on the United Kingdom draft tabled in June.