§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the European Communities working groups which met over the last 12 months with a representative from his Department in attendance; if he will list the number of times each met; if he will indicate the nature of the Government's representation; and if he will make a statement. [88473]
§ Ms JowellOfficials from the Department regularly attend meetings of Council working groups. Occasionally the Department is represented by officials from the United Kingdom's Permanent Representation to the European Union. The Department is most closely involved with the Health working group which has met 18 times in the last 12 months. Officials from the Department also attend meetings of the Economic Questions. Social Affairs, and Youth working groups when relevant issues are discussed.