§ Mr. HowardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the arrangements for Lord Whitty' s private office, in his capacity as Minister with Special Responsibility for the EU Presidency; [41019]
(2) what is the cost to public funds of Lord Whitty's appointment as Minister with Special Responsibility for the EU Presidency; [41018]
(3) when Lord Whitty's appointment as Minister with Special Responsibility for the EU Presidency was publicly announced; [41049]
(4) when Lord Whitty was officially appointed Minister with Special Responsibility for the EU Presidency. [41050]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonAs a Government Whip, Lord Whitty is a member of the Government and regularly speaks on FCO business, particularly on EC issues, in the House of Lords. In that context he frequently carries out official duties on behalf of the FCO, in particular in relation to the UK Presidency of the EU. There are no additional costs to public funds for his performance of these duties, nor are any additional staff provided.