§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the role of the United Kingdom Parliament would be enhanced by giving the House of Commons the opportunity to approve the appointment of the United Kingdom's European Commissioners. [HL1624]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe see no reason to change the current system for nominating UK members of the European Commission, which has worked satisfactorily under successive governments.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether (a) they consider that the Amsterdam Treaty shifted the balance of power in the European Union away from nation states and intergovernmental control towards a political Commission led by a 3WA political President, in which the Commissioners work under the political guidance of the President, who has the power to veto Commissioners nominated by member states; and (b) if so, whether that is in the UK's interest. [HL1625]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Amsterdam Treaty does not shift the balance of power in the European Union towards a political Commission. Commissioners will continue to be appointed, rather than elected, and to propose and implement rather than decide on European policy. The treaty gives the President a role in the nomination of the College of Commissioners and a greater authority over the work of the Commission. These developments will increase the Commission's efficiency. The UK supports them.