Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Alun Michael (Labour and Co-operative Party), on Wednesday, 11 December 1991, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 37 members in total.

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PRIME MINISTER'S COMMITMENT TO SUBSIDIARITY

That this House welcomes the Prime Minister's statement that he is committed to the principle of subsidiarity, which is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as, 'the principle that a central authority should have a subsidiary function, performing only those tasks which cannot be performed more effectively at a more immediate or local level', but regrets that he appears not to understand the implications of such a commitment; notes that the principle applies with equal strength to relationships within the United Kingdom as it does to relationships within the European Community generally; notes that the principle has been breached repeatedly in the way this Conservative Government has undermined the work of local government and the independence of action of people elected by local communities to represent their interests; also believes that the Conservative Party has done great damage to public confidence within Wales by excessive use of unaccountable nominated bodies; and calls on the Prime Minister to recognise that the unity of the United Kingdom will be strengthened rather than weakened by a proper understanding and effective application of the principle of subsidiarity as well as a fresh commitment to democracy and accountability.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received 3 amendments.

379A2

leaves out 'welcomes' and insert 'notes'.

379A3

leave out from 'but' to end and add 'is aware that the Maastricht agreement is self-stultifying on this important matter in that it leaves decisions on the practical applications of the idea of subsidiarity in the undemocratic hands of the centralised institutions of a growing unitary, European Union; and believes that a clearly defined and fully-fledged democratic, social and federal structure for the European Community would be the best means of guaranteeing a de-centralised future for the nations making-up the European Community.'.

379A1

after 'Wales',insert ',Scotland and the English regions'.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

379 

379A2 

379A3 

379A1 

Session

1991-92

Subjects

Social chapter Treaties European Council Netherlands EU social policy

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk