§ 24. Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next proposes to discuss ratification and implementation of the Maastricht treaty with other EC Foreign Ministers.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesThe Maastricht treaty will enter into force on the first day of the month after the last member 755W state has ratified. Denmark and the United Kingdom have still to ratify the treaty. Foreign Ministers regularly review the state of the ratification process, with a view to implementation. We will continue to do so.
§ 33. Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts about the expected date for ratification of the Maastricht treaty; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Garet-JonesThe Maastricht treaty will enter into force on the first day of the month after the last member state has ratified. Ten member states have completed the parliamentary ratification process; three of these still have to complete formal ratification. Denmark needs to hold a further referendum. In the United Kingdom ratification follows passage of the necessary legislation through Parliament.