Michael Connarty
Labour Member of UK Parliament - Linlithgow and East Falkirk Constituency
Put an end to ignorance on EU matters
Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): During the final two years of the previous Parliament, the then Opposition railed against the fact that the structure of the European Standing Committees collapsed into basically random Committees. There used to 39 Members on three Committees who debated regularly the issues coming from Europe, and it was promised that they would be reinstated. The level of ignorance about European business in this House has gone through the roof, however, and it is time that the Government
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put people back on those Committees in order that they learn the business of Europe before they stand up and open their mouths.
Mr Heath: I will not comment on the hon. Gentleman’s final observations, but he is right to say that we need to
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ensure that the House is able to scrutinise European business appropriately and fully. That is why I am sure the Minister for Europe is very much engaged in talking to him and his colleagues to make sure that we get the parliamentary structures right—and as soon as possible.
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