Written question asked by Ian Davidson (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 April 2005. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Thursday, 7 April 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23rd March, Official Report, column 891W, whether the Government has requested that (a) the European Parliament and (b) other institutions of the European Union do not intervene or fund activities in the referendum on the EU Constitution.

Answer: Mr. Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 23 March 2005, Official Report, column 891W, whether the Government have requested that (a) the European Parliament and (b) other institutions of the European Union do not intervene or fund activities in the referendum on the EU Constitution. [224993] Mr. MacShane: The European Parliament (EP) and European Commission have a legitimate role in the provision of objective and factual information on the EU and its activities. This role must of course respect the constitutional and democratic processes of the member states. The Government have been in contact with the EP and the Commission about the provision of information on the EU Constitutional Treaty, including in relation to the referendum and will continue to liaise with them on these issues.

Secondary information