§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Answer given by Baroness Chalker of Wallasey on 1 November 1995 (WA 159), whether it remains part of the practice known as the "Ponsonby Rule" (referred to in Appendix 4 to H.L. Paper 80 of Session 1990–91) that, in the case of the important treaties, the Government submit them to each House of Parliament for discussion during the period of 21 days after the treaty is laid on the table of each House.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey):The practice relating to the discussion of important treaties has not changed. It is for the Government of the day to determine which treaties not requiring legislation are of sufficient importance that a debate on a Motion should be held.