In answer to Mrs McNally the President-in-Office made a generalized statement that she hoped that when the applicant countries joined the Union they would encourage a move towards greater democracy and open government. However, she knows that in the enlargement document which was agreed, thanks in no small part to both the Greek and German governments, there is a clear statement that the traditions of open government and democracy of the Nordic countries will be respected, and that they will be incorporated into the working of the European Union.

In Sweden the correspondence of the Prime Minister is open to scrutiny by any member of the public. Such is their strong tradition of open government. I am not clear how we will match the Swedish tradition with the traditions which operate in the European Union; because the logic would be that, as a British citizen, I could ask a Swedish member of parliament to ask their Prime Minister for the details of the Council meetings which he will be able to provide, and which I cannot get from Britain. It strikes me that there will be some inconsistency there.

What is the thinking of the Presidency-in-Office as to how this will operate after 1 January next?