asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he favours an extension of the powers of the European Parliament to promote further integration and to ensure democratic control over the single monetary authority which must emerge with monetary union.
Written Answers. - European Parliament.
174.
The Government looks forward to the emergence of the directly elected European Parliament next June as a milestone in the development of the Community.
As regards an expansion of the present powers of the European Parliament, it is too early to say what might be proposed or what that might involve. We would, however, expect to find the directly elected Parliament exercising an increased influence in all fields of Community interest. We would not oppose such increased influence in so far as it did not threaten the existing inter-institutional balance.
The Government also support moves towards economic and monetary union based on a balanced economic development throughout the European Community, as a step towards greater integration within the Community. The basis of democratic control is laid down in the Treaties through the interaction of the institutions and the Government will support whatever steps may be appropriate in future to maintain that control.