HC Deb 19 November 1979 vol 974 cc61-2W
Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he has noted paragraphs 103 to 109 of the report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for reform of the Commission of the European Communities"; and what action is being taken to implement the recommendations therein with respect to secondment of (a) civil servants from his Department and (b) personnel from both sides of industry in those sectors for which his Department acts as sponsor.

Mr. Nott

The Government have taken note of the proposals in question. The report of the Independent Review Body "Proposals for the reform of the Commission of the European Communities" was made at the request of the Commission itself; the Commission is currently considering the recommendations. There is no action yet for member States or the Council to take. Since our accession to the Community there have been secondments and external recruitments to the Commission from the Civil Service and from both sides of industry. We shall continue to encourage these. In addition, my Department is currently arranging for more officials to be seconded to the Commission.