MR GOODLAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
MAASTRICHT RATIFICATION
Points to make
- Government pleased that Bill has now completed its Commons
stages. Long but worthwhile debate. More detailed
parliamentary consideration of the Maastricht Treaty than in any other member state.
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Bill will now go to the Lords. Should be quicker and less difficult than the Commons.
Government remain committed to ratification in this session
of Parliament. Not clear whether this will be before or after
the summer recess.
- Nine member states have ratified the Treaty.
Following
their "Yes" vote the Danes will do so shortly. German ratification is delayed by a pending Constitutional Court Case. But the Treaty should enter into force well before the end of the year.
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Ratification of the Treaty has been a long process, during which there has been widespread concern about the centralisation of power in Brussels, and the extent to which certain Community measures intrude on national life. Must look to the future, and to building a Community which, while maintaining strong central disciplines, can be more responsive to the diverse needs of its membership.
Maastricht provides a basis to develop more transparent and flexible procedures: open trade, internally and externally; cooperation rather than pooled sovereignty in certain areas; and an enlarged membership.