§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on Government policy in respect of Chancellor Kohl's proposed veto on the enlargement of the EC; and what means exist of overcoming this veto under the Maastricht treaty.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of any such statement by the German Government. The Maastricht European Council agreed that accession negotiations could start as soon as the negotiations on future financing are concluded. Under the terms of the treaty on European union decisions to admit new members are taken by unanimity.