HC Deb 17 July 1989 vol 157 cc18-9
56. Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service how many persons in the Civil Service are engaged in the consideration of matters relating to the European Community; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

All civil servants are alerted as necessary to the implications of the European Community for their work. Some are directly involved, others indirectly.

Mr. Taylor

As Britain seems to get a particularly rotten deal from the Common Market with the highest ever net contribution and trade deficit and as all member states except ourselves are blissfully ignoring decisions of the European Court, would it not be appropriate for some civil servants to watch the position to see whether Britain could get a relatively fairer deal rather than the present dreadful one?

Mr. Luce

To leave aside my hon. Friend's general remarks about the Community, it follows from what he said that whether he is right or wrong it is essential that the civil servants who advise Ministers are well equipped to do so, knowledgeable about the Community and heavily involved in it. If we want British interests to be served properly, that is the right thing to do. That is why we provide a range of facilities, courses and assistance to civil servants.