§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will outline the nature of the proposals affecting the right of foreign nationals to vote in United Kingdom local elections and to stand for elected office which have been presented to the Council of Ministers by the Commission; when the directive will be considered; and if it will fall to be considered by majority vote in the Council.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe Commission's proposals are the subject of an explanatory memorandum the Home Office submitted to the Select Committee on European Legislation on 17 October, copies of which are available m the Library. I understand that the proposed directive is not being actively considered by the Council. Since it purports to be based on article 235 of the treaty of Rome, action would require the unaninous support of the Council.