asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his policy on European Economic Community proposals on a right of residence for European Economic Community nationals in the territory of another member state; if this right would involve a right to vote; and if he will make a statement;(2) what proposals are under discussion in the European Economic Community on a right of residence for European Economic Community nationals in the territory of another member state.

A draft directive on a right of residence was first put forward by the Commission in 1979. The current text, which is under discussion in the Council of Ministers, is designed to provide a right of residence throughout the European Community to those nationals of member states who do not already have such a right under the free movement provisions of the treaty of Rome. The Government favour the principle of a right of residence providing that it is conditional upon a person having the resources to support himself, without recourse to public funds, in the host state.