asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the normal timelag between the adoption of directives by the Council of Ministers of the EEC and the adoption of implementing procedures for these directives; and if any substantial changes in the directives can be effected in the interim.

Community directives may provide for implementation "without delay" or for delays of varying periods. It is not possible, therefore, to speak of a normal timelag.

Once a directive is adopted, it is binding upon the member state or states to which it is addressed as regards the result to be achieved.

By whom are the implementing procedures laid down? Are they laid down by the Commission or by the Council of Ministers or by the member states?

They are not laid down. A directive is made on a result to be attained and the national Government take whatever measures are necessary to implement the situation.

Question No. 27 postponed.