§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the solemn declaration made by Commissioners of the European Community that they will perform their duties in "complete independence in the general interest of the Communities" is compatible with the oath sworn by those admitted to the Privy Council that they "will bear faith and allegiance to Her Majesty and defend all her jurisdictions, pre-eminences and authorities, against all foreign princes, persons, prelates, states or potentates".