HC Deb 16 December 1980 vol 996 cc117-8W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Minister of Transport how many civil servants, and at what cost per annum, are employed to deal with EEC business in his Department in (a) London, (b) Brussels and (c) elsewhere.

Mr. Fowler

Many civil servants in my Department are concerned to a greater or lesser degree with EEC business. But the involvement of individuals is variable, and their numbers as full-time equivalents, costs and locations could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I have no staff based in Brussels.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Minister of Transport how many EEC directives or regulations which are at present in force were resisted by his Department before their implementation.

Mr. Fowler

All decisions so far taken in Councils of Transport Ministers have been unanimous. Every EEC Commission proposal is, however, closely examined at Council before a decision is made; and in common with other Council Members I pay close attention both to their merits in advancing Community policies and to their consistency with national interests.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Minister of Transport how many representations he has received from (a) business men, (b) trade associations, (c) trades unions and (d) the general public against EEC policy, directives of regulations since membership.

Mr. Fowler

I am afraid the information is not available in the form requested and cannot be provided without disproportionate cost.