Maastricht moves up a gear

THE GOVERNMENT yesterday stepped up the pace of debate on the Maastricht treaty legislation. Tony Newton, Leader of the Commons, announced that three consecutive days will be given over next week to the continuing Committee Stage of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill, writes Stephen Goodwin.

The Bill will be debated on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with at least one late-night sitting expected. Last night, at the end of the fourth day of committee consideration, the willingness of opponents of European union to harry the Bill for hour after hour showed no sign of abating. From the Government's point of view progress has been extremely slow, with consideration of just two groups of amendments completed. At least 23 groups are still to be dealt with.

Budget Day will be 16 March, Mr Newton announced.