§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason a European Commissioner is entitled to be present at the meetings of the Governing Council of the European central bank; what means will determine which Commissioner will be present; if he has voting rights; if he is remunerated; what rules of confidentiality apply to him; and if he will make a statement. [86731]
§ Ms HewittIn accordance with Article 113 (Ex 109b) of the EC Treaty, a member of the European Commission may participate, without having the right to vote, in meetings of the Governing Council of the ECB. The participation of the Commission in the Governing Council contributes to the process of inter-institutional dialogue. In line with this provision, the Commissioner for monetary affairs has attended meetings of the Governing Council, but has not received separate or additional remuneration for so doing. The participation of the Commission in meetings of the Governing Council is subject to the confidentiality regime outlined in Article 10.4 of the ESCB Statute (Protocol No.3 to the EC Treaty).