§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of draft European Community legislation in 1997 was not subject to discussion at the College of Commissioners prior to submission to the Council of Ministers; what proportion of legislation the Council of Ministers was not required to approve before enactment; and what assessment he has made of the procedures in respect of such legislation. [33884]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonAll Commission proposals for legislation to be adopted by the Council of Ministers are first approved by the College of Commissioners.
In addition, the Commission has the power to make legislation under powers which are delegated in specific cases under primary legislation approved by the Council of Ministers. Such measures constitute more than 278W 90 per cent. of Community legislative acts, the majority being detailed market management measures. They are normally subject to scrutiny by a committee of Member States' representatives, and may in some cases be referred to the Council of Ministers.
A review of the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission is envisaged in Declaration No. 31 attached to the Final Act of the Amsterdam Treaty.