§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes the Government is seeking in Article III—157 of the draft EU Constitution concerning energy policy. [134315]
§ Mr. TimmsArticle III—157 introduces a new Treaty legal base for EU action on issues relating to energy. There is already Union activity in this area and we believe that creating a specific provision should lead to greater transparency. The Government are considering their position on this article in the context of the Intergovernmental Conference. Any changes to the provisions of the existing EU Treaties, including those proposed in Article III—157 of the draft Treaty, require the unanimous agreement of all member states.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what power the EU will have under Article III—157 of the EU Constitution to regulate UK oilfields by majority vote. [134316]
11WS
§ Mr. TimmsArticle III—157 of the draft EU Constitutional Treaty would give the EU competence in energy matters related to the establishing of the internal market, including natural resources, with voting by qualified majority. Article III-130(2)(c) provides for unanimity on
measures significantly affecting a Member State's choice between different energy sources and the general structure of its energy supply".