§ Mr. LordTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 6 March,Official Report, columns 255–58, who, on what occasion and with what authority, sanctioned the establishment by the European Union of delegations in third countries. [22769]
§ Mr. David DavisThe establishment by the European Commission of delegations in third countries falls within the Commission's power to organise its own administration. There is therefore no requirement on the Commission to obtain authority to establish these delegations, although it does consult member states before opening new delegations. Of course, all Commission spending is subject to scrutiny during the annual budget negotiations with the Council and European Parliament.