I shall take just a short time to defend from multiple attacks this modest, moderate and practical measure offered by my hon. Friend the Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois). Some of the positions that have been articulated today by Labour Members—and, indeed, by Liberal Democrats—are almost impossible to comprehend. What...

I shall take just a short time to defend from multiple attacks this modest, moderate and practical measure offered by my hon. Friend the Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois). Some of the positions that have been articulated today by Labour Members—and, indeed, by Liberal Democrats—are almost impossible to comprehend. What...

Hon. Members are saying that the provision does not say that. It is a matter of interpretation. In my judgment, if the matter were taken to court, it is inconceivable that a judge would conclude that some minor transfer would trigger this provision, as the hon. Member for Kingston and...

Hon. Members are saying that the provision does not say that. It is a matter of interpretation. In my judgment, if the matter were taken to court, it is inconceivable that a judge would conclude that some minor transfer would trigger this provision, as the hon. Member for Kingston and...

On a point of order, Mrs. Heal. It cannot be appropriate for the Minister to descend to such an undignified submission about Opposition Members. It must be wrong to suggest that there is a conflict of interest in that respect.

On a point of order, Mrs. Heal. It cannot be appropriate for the Minister to descend to such an undignified submission about Opposition Members. It must be wrong to suggest that there is a conflict of interest in that respect.

What does the European Court of Justice mean when it describes something, as it has done in hundreds of its judgments, as being within the exclusive competence or jurisdiction of the European institutions?

What does the European Court of Justice mean when it describes something, as it has done in hundreds of its judgments, as being within the exclusive competence or jurisdiction of the European institutions?

Not "right honourable".

Not "right honourable".

If the European Union or its countries have spent years negotiating to produce a treaty, and the changes require a treaty and cannot be made through the ordinary revision procedure, the presumption must be that whatever is being done by the treaty is of some significance and seriousness. Otherwise, dozens...

If the European Union or its countries have spent years negotiating to produce a treaty, and the changes require a treaty and cannot be made through the ordinary revision procedure, the presumption must be that whatever is being done by the treaty is of some significance and seriousness. Otherwise, dozens...

Why does the one exclude the other? Why can we not have the referendum on the in-out question, and why should Liberal Democrats not agree to the idea that, when there are substantial transfers in future treaties, the British people are consulted?

Why does the one exclude the other? Why can we not have the referendum on the in-out question, and why should Liberal Democrats not agree to the idea that, when there are substantial transfers in future treaties, the British people are consulted?