§ Baroness Oppenheim-Barnesasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many hours per month, on average, are spent by Ministers and their officials on matters arising from the United Kingdom's membership of the EC; what is the estimated cost of this, based on known salaries; and to what extent does this detract from their ability to spend sufficient time on matters concerning the United Kingdom.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Wakeham)I regret that the information requested by my noble friend is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Nevertheless the United Kingdom's membership of the European Community does not prevent Ministers and officials from giving proper consideration to matters affecting this country.