asked the Minister for Local Government the proposals, if any, the Government have on direct elections to the European Parliament in May, 1978; or when the Government proposes to publish such proposals.

Article 7 (2) of the instrument signed by the Foreign Ministers of the member states on 20th September, 1976, provides that, pending the entry into force of a uniform electoral procedure and subject to the other provisions of the instrument, the procedure for direct elections in each member state will be governed by national provisions. The question of the electoral procedure to apply in this country is under consideration and the Government's proposals will be published in the form of a Bill in due course.

Will the Minister give any indication when we might expect the Bill?

Sometime early next year, say, in the first session of the year. I cannot guarantee that but that is my view. The Bill is almost ready.