asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will describe the practical disadvantages which would arise in the United Kingdom or elsewhere if direct elections to the European Parliament were postponed beyond May-June 1978.

One practical disadvantage would be the continuation of what is felt by some to be the practical difficulties which the present dual mandate places on the nominated Members of the Assembly who also have to cope with demands of the House of Commons. Member States have endorsed the aim of holding the first elections in May-June 1978. There would be considerable disappointment in many countries if it did not prove possible to meet this deadline.