Westminster and Europe

de Philip Giddings, Gavin Drewry

Since Britain joined the European Community in 1973 the Westminster Parliament has had to adapt to a novel, and for many parliamentarians deeply uncomfortable, situation in which more and more legislative functions have passed to Brussels. This book, based on the work of a study group set up by the Study of Parliament Group, examines the political, constitutional and procedural impact of EC membership on both Houses of the UK Parliament. Having traced the development of parliamentary scrutiny, it looks in detail at Westminster's handling of EC business in recent sessions, particularly during 1990-91. It contains detailed case studies of Parliament's dealings with the Common Agricultural Policy and with farm animal welfare. It also examines the significance for Parliament of the Maastricht Treaty, and analyses the stormy debates surrounding its ratification. Controversy about Britain's future role in Europe lies at the heart of current political debate, and is set to intensify in the context of the 1996 intergovernmental Conference. This book, written from a unique parliamentary perspective, is essential reading for everyone who is involved or interested in that debate.