HC Deb 07 February 2000 vol 344 cc24-5W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her answer of 8 December 1999 to my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble, (Mr. Borrow)Official Report, column 532W, on the European Union Charter of Human Rights, if she will state (a) by what means the delegates were appointed and what consultations were undertaken concerning the appointments, (b) by what means and to whom the delegates will report and (c) if draft papers containing proposals by the European Union to the delegates will be available to hon. Members prior to their consideration by the drafting body. [105125]

Mrs. Beckett

Delegates were appointed after appropriate consultations through the usual channels.

The Cologne and Tampere European Council Conclusions set out the procedures for drafting and delivering the Charter. The Charter Drafting Body will produce its draft report and seek endorsement from the European Council.

The Charter drafting process is designed to be transparent. The Charter website, which will contain the various working documents can be reached through hhtp://ue.eu.int.