EU: Repatriation of Powers

Lord Tebbit Excerpts

Tuesday 14th December 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Tebbit]

My Lords—

[Lord Campbell of Alloway]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Howell of Guildford]

I just do not recognise what the noble Lord is saying. On the question of health administration and working hours in the medical profession, constructive discussions are going on with our fellow EU members about ways in which we can go forward. On the working time directive, we want to limit its particular application in a number of areas, which we intend to do. I do not understand all the talk of dogma and gum-trees. They may be trees that the noble Lord lives with, but they do not come into my bailiwick.

[Lord Tebbit]

My Lords—

[Lord Campbell of Alloway]

My Lords—

[Noble Lords]

Tebbit!

[Lord Tebbit]

Would my noble friend like to agree that all great journeys commence with a single step? Perhaps he could arrange for our masters in Brussels to allow children of 10 in this country to purchase crackers for Christmas.

[Lord Howell of Guildford]

I do not know whether the right single step would lead in the right direction, but I note my noble friend’s concern that the purchase of crackers by children of the right age should be a reasonably available and accessible freedom.