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European Parliament (Direct Elections)

Volume 930: debated on Tuesday 19 April 1977

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Q4.

asked the Prime Minister if he will initiate discussions with the Prime Minister of Belgium, after the Belgian elections, about the progress of direct elections to the European Parliament.

Apart from having discussions with the Belgian Prime Minister, will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what the Government's intentions are regarding direct elections? Will he tell the House today, so that we may be fully informed before the debate, whether the Government propose to allow a separate debate at an early date on the system to be used for direct elections, so that the House may come to a clear decision about that before the Second Reading of the Bill, in order to avoid confusion for the House and to allow people to make a decision knowing which system of election is to be used?

I shall discuss this with my right hon. Friend. It is an interesting suggestion. It was not our intention to do that now. We assumed that tomorrow's White Paper debate and the one on Monday next would be sufficient for the purpose. However, my right hon. Friend has heard what has been said, and we can consider these matters. I do not rule it out.

Has my right hon. Friend seen yesterday's announcement by M. Marchais, the leader of the French Communists, that they were not now opposing the principle of direct elections? This means that only the most reactionary elements of the Gaullist Party are now opposed to the principle. Will he urge this unanimity upon our own party, in the hope that we shall not follow the Gaullist path?

I noticed that M. Marchais had, for electoral reasons, I understand, decided to support the idea of direct elections. Opposition to them in this country is not limited to our own party. I believe that some hon. Members on the Opposition Benches oppose them. Nevertheless, I say to hon. Members in our own party and in the Conservative Party that the country decided this issue in the referendum—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]. Those who shout "No" must look the facts in the face.

My hon. Friend does not make it not true by saying that it is not true. It is contained in the treaty. All this will be debated tomorrow. I know that we shall never shift my hon. Friend, but the Government's position on this is clear. When we acceded to the treaty, we said that we would introduce the Bill, and we shall do so. My hon. Friends will have to make up their minds about it. I shall use my best endeavours to get the Bill through.

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. After the Prime Minister has referred to some of us directly, will you not allow further opportunity for comment on this important question?

Order. I understood that the Prime Minister was referring to a group, not to any individual.