§ 32. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with his counterparts in other EC nations on the issue of citizens charters; and what meetings of the Council of Ministers he has attended, and in what capacity.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have met a number of my European counterparts to discuss public service reform. The citizens charter has aroused considerable international interest, but it has not been discussed in meetings of the European Council of Ministers. I shall also shortly be visiting the United States of America to discuss the reform of public services with the Vice-President.
Last year's service for the citizen conference, held as one of the events to mark the United Kingdom's presidency of the EC, attracted delegates from 21 countries. A similar event is being planned for later this year.