Oral answer to question provided on Tuesday, 9 October 2007 in the House of Lords, by Baroness Ashton of Upholland (Labour).

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EU: Competition Policy

Answer

My Lords, the Dutch council of state has on many occasions been an important body in determining policy that comes forward from the Netherlands—but it is also, as the noble Lord said, an independent body. I agree that the Commission lawyers would look extremely carefully at the implications and impact of what was being proposed as they above any others would be mindful of the potential within the European Court of Justice and they are very clear that the protocol is legally binding.