European Act (Hansard, 3 February 1986)

§ Mr. Teddy Taylor
asked the Prime Minister if it is her intention to take part in the signing of the European Act in Luxembourg on 17 February.

§ The Prime Minister
No. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the hon. Member for Wallasey (Mrs. Chalker), will sign for the United Kingdom.

§ Mr. Teddy Taylor
asked the Prime Minister if she will take steps to make the text of the European Act available to hon. Members before it is formally signed on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.

§ The Prime Minister
The text was made available to hon. Members on 30 January.

§ Mr. Teddy Taylor
asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to seek the approval of Parliament to the European Act before it is signed on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.

§ The Prime Minister
No. The agreement can enter into force only if ratified in all member states. Legislation will be required to give effect to the agreement in the United Kingdom. In accordance with normal practice, Parliament will have a full opportunity to consider the agreement when legislation is brought before it.