§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Prime Minister what facilities are currently available to Members of the European Parliament within the United Kingdom Parliament and to United Kingdom Members of Parliament in the European Parliament; and what proposals exist for improving these arrangements.
§ The Prime MinisterAt Strasbourg Members have access to all areas adjacent to the main debating chamber and, by invitation, can attend specialist committees of the European Parliament. At Westminster, United Kingdom MEPs have access to the Peers Galleries and Lobby and offices of the European Communities Office in the House of Lords. In this House they have access by photo-identity pass to the Central Lobby, the Lower and Upper Waiting Halls and the Committee Corridor.
§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on strengthening the powers of the European Parliament.
§ The Prime MinisterAs my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs said during the debate on the Address on 8 November, we would like to strengthen the European Parliament's role in monitoring Community expenditure.