HC Deb 26 July 1985 vol 83 cc909-10W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his statement on 24 July, if he will provide details of the Treaty of European Co-operation which is to be discussed at the intergovernmental conference.

Mr. Luce

The Milan European Council asked for work to be set in hand on a draft treaty on foreign policy and security in accordance with Franco-German and United Kingdom proposals. The United Kingdom draft was deposited in the House on 2 July.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Franco-German proposals on a draft treaty of European Union has yet been placed on the agenda for the intergovernmental conference; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

The Milan European Council asked that proposals be submitted for a draft treaty on foreign policy and security for discussion by heads of state and Government at the Luxembourg European Council. The Ministers for Foreign Affairs have subsequently instructed the Political Committee to draw up by 15 October the text of a draft treaty on the basis of the United Kingdom and Franco-German drafts. This draft will then be considered by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs meeting for this purpose within the intergovernmental conference.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his intention to submit any proposals to be placed on the agenda for the intergovernmental conference; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

We have already put forward a number of practical proposals. We are now waiting for concrete proposals from our partners as a basis for discussion at the conference. We will then consider whether to put forward any further ideas ourselves.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek clarification from the European Economic Community Commission on whether the intergovernmental conference called under article 236 of the treaty of Rome will be restricted to the consideration of amendments to the treaty; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

The conference has been called to determine by common accord what amendments should be made to the EC treaty. Discussion will also cover issues which do not require treaty amendment, such as the United Kingdon's own proposals for practical improvements.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government that any proposals made by the intergovernmental conference called under article 236 of the treaty of Rome will be considered by Parliament before the meeting of the European Council in December; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

The House will have ample opportunity to debate these issues. My hon. Friend will recall that the report of the Dooge committee 'was deposited in the House before it was discussed at the Milan European Council.