Written question asked by Andrew Turner (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 January 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Dutch government on prospects for a referendum in the Netherlands on a proposed European Constitution; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Dutch Government on prospects for a referendum in the Netherlands on a proposed European Constitution; and if he will make a statement. [150709] Mr. MacShane: I have regular discussions with my EU counterparts on a wide range of aspects of the IGC. The question of whether to hold a referendum on the Constitutional Treaty is however a matter for individual governments themselves, according to their constitutional traditions. And as I have made clear in the House before, we have no plans to hold a referendum.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 150709; 417 c288-9W
Session: 2003-04
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Constitutions Convention on the Future of Europe European Union Referendums Netherlands
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk