Mr. TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the acquisition of full legal personality by the European Union. [87907]
§ Mr. MacShaneRecognition of the legal personality of the Union would have the advantage of clarity and simplicity. But if the European Union were to have its legal personality recognised in the European treaties it could only be on the basis that the distinct arrangements for common foreign and security policy, and aspects of justice and home affairs were fully safeguarded, along with the existing arrangements for representation in international bodies. The Government would need to be sure that the necessary safeguards were in place before taking a decision on this issue.