HL Deb 10 May 1988 vol 496 c1116WA
Lord Chelwood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Parliament is entitled to decide upon its place of work as opposed to its official seat, and if so by what authority, and whether a decision by the Parliament to meet when appropriate in Brussels would be subject to the unanimous approval of the Council of Ministers.

Lord Trefgarne

The European Parliament may adopt measures to ensure its efficient functioning and conduct of business. It is for the governments of member states to determine the permanent seats of the institutions of the Communities and the parliament must respect the interim decisions provisionally taken by the governments in that respect. Questions of interpretation of these provisions are ultimately for the European Court of Justice to decide and a relevant case is before the court at present.