European Charter of Local Self-government (Hansard, 18 April 1988)

HC Deb 18 April 1988 vol 131 c306W 306W

§ Rev. Martin Smyth
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards ratification of the European charter of local self-government; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Chope
The Government support the broad principles underlying the charter, but we do not accept that the content is appropriate for a binding international agreement. We therefore have no plans to sign or ratify the charter.