§ Sir Peter BlakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in theOfficial Report a statement on the outcome of the ministerial meeting of the intergovernmental conference on political union on 15 April.
§ Mr. HurdThe ministerial meeting of the intergovernmental conference on political union on 15 April, attended by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, discussed Presidency proposals on a common foreign and security policy and the powers of the European Parliament.
In discussion of a common foreign and security policy my hon. Friend the Minister of State re-stated our arguments, as set out in my answer to the House on 6 March 1991 at column 203, for strengthening co-operation among the Twelve on foreign and security policy issues and for strengthening the Western European Union (WEU) as a bridge between NATO and the Twelve. There continues to be a range of views among other member states on this and related issues.
A range of views was expressed too on the Presidency proposals for strengthening the European Parliament's role in the legislative procedure through the introduction of "co-decision" procedures. Several members states, like the United Kingdom, were unable to accept the proposals.
Ministers will continue discussion of both these subjects at future meetings of special representatives and of Ministers. These meetings will also consider the composite text of all proposed Treaty amendments now circulated by the Presidency.