UK Parliament / Open data

European Union Bill

Proceeding contribution from Lord Richard (Labour) in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 22 March 2011. It occurred during Debate on bills on European Union Bill.
I am grateful to the Minister for giving way. He will realise that this is a rather complex Bill, and we need to hear the expert opinions of the Government on it. I want to come back to the point that I made a little earlier, which he has not answered. What did he mean by ““in principle””? If he looks at Clauses 3(4) and 4, he will see that the exemption condition or the significance point—they are the same thing—can only apply where, "““the decision falls within section 4 only because of provision of the kind mentioned in subsection (1)(i) or (j)””." Paragraphs (i) and (j) are perfectly clearly spelt out in Clause 4. What happens if it is not in paragraphs (i) or (j)? Presumably there is no question of significance or government discretion. There is no question of it being a decision for a referendum in principle. At that stage, if it is outside paragraphs (i) or (j) it is mandatory. It is compulsory in those circumstances to have a referendum.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

726 c605 

Session

2010-12

Chamber / Committee

House of Lords chamber
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