HC Deb 17 May 1996 vol 277 c595W
Mr. Terry Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many meetings of, or organised by, the Council of Europe since January 1995 have been attended by Ministers or officials of his Department; and if he will make a statement. [29368]

Mr. Burt

My hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State—Lord Mackay of Ardbreknish—represented the United Kingdom at the Council of Europe's sixth conference of European Ministers of Social Security in May 1995, supported by Departmental officials. Since January 1995, officials have represented UK interests at five committee meetings, and a Benefits Agency medical adviser attended on three further occasions to serve on various expert groups.