§ 13. Mr. John Swinney (North Tayside)If he will list the meetings on the subjects of fishing, agriculture, education and economic development during the United Kingdom's presidency of the EU which he or one of his Ministers has chaired. [41262]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Calum Macdonald)The Minister for Education and Industry will represent the United Kingdom at the joint Education and Social Affairs Council on 4 June. The Minister responsible for health, the arts and children will chair a health conciliation meeting with the European Parliament on 27 May. I have represented the UK presidency in bilateral meetings on the European spatial development perspective with eight member states. In addition, the Secretary of State will represent the UK on 9 June in the regional policy discussions at the informal ministerial meeting in Glasgow.
§ Mr. SwinneyI thank the Minister for his reply. Does he believe that that is satisfactory representation of Scotland's distinctive interests in those policy areas? What are his expectations about the incidence of Scottish Ministers representing the Scottish Parliament in such forums after the passage of the Scotland Bill?
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe hon. Gentleman misunderstands what is involved in chairing such meetings as part of the UK presidency. The chair is not supposed to advance national interests as such, but, rather, to look after the interests of all member states at the meeting. I expect that arrangements will continue satisfactorily after devolution, just as they do at the moment.
§ Mr. James Gray (North Wiltshire)Is the Minister aware that the Scottish Fishermens Federation has expressed strong concern that Scotland will lose its independent voice in Europe after devolution? Is it not a matter of regret that, after devolution, Scottish Ministers will attend European bodies only by invitation, and not by right as they do at the moment?
§ Mr. MacdonaldAttendance will be on the same basis as at present, which is by mutual agreement between different Departments. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the federation recently, and they had a very constructive discussion on just that point.