TNAG-1297-FCO40-1652-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1984 — Page 146

REFERENDUM ON UNITED KINGDOM

MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

PREFACE

This White Paper is about the organisation of the national referendum on the United Kingdom's membership of the European Community.

The referendum is to be held because of the unique nature of the issue, which has fundamental implications for the future of this country, for the political relationship between the United Kingdom and the other Member Governments of the Community, and for the constitutional position of Parliament.

The organisation of the referendum must be efficient and fair. Some special arrangements will be necessary, as set out in this White Paper. But wherever appropriate, the Government will use the well-tried machinery which serves for Parliamentary elections. Thus advantage will be taken of procedures and safeguards which long experience has shown to be effective and which are familiar to the voters.

The political parties represented in Parliament and leading organisations campaigning both for continued membership and for our leaving the Com- munity have been consulted. The experience of other countries has also been considered. The Government will pay careful attention to reaction to this White Paper both in Parliament and outside.

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