§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what meetings of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers he plans to be represented at ministerial level for the rest of this year; and if he will make a statement. [732]
§ Peter HainThere is one Council of Europe Ministerial remaining this year, scheduled for 7–8 November. Ministers will consider nearer the time at what level the UK should be represented, on the basis of the substantive issues on the agenda.
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§ Mr. David AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was his reply to the inquiry of the Latvian Chair-in-Office of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on the participation of parliamentarians in the national delegations to the General Assembly of the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the composition of the UK delegation at the forthcoming session. [733]
§ Peter HainWe do not appear to have received any inquiry from the Latvian Chairman in Office on the issue of participation of parliamentarians in national delegations.
HMG will consider favourably any proposal that Members of Parliament join the delegation when the assembly covers issues of particular concern to them, subject to accepting that any interventions could not be made in a personal capacity but would have to represent the views and policy of HMG.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will lead the delegation to the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, and will attend parts of the General Debate. I shall also attend parts of the General Assembly. The rest of the delegation will comprise the British Permanent Representative, his staff, and officials from the FCO and other Government Departments.