Minister for Europe

HC Deb 20 March 2001 vol 365 cc111-2W

Mr. Maude

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the additional

responsibilities that have been allocated to the Minister for Europe since 1 May 1997, indicating the dates of, and the reasons for, the changes. [154053]

Mr. Robin Cook

The allocation of responsibilities between Ministers at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is a matter for my discretion.

On 7 May 1997, the Minister for Europe, then my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North (Mr. Henderson), was allocated responsibility for Europe, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

On 28 July 1998, my right hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin) was appointed Minister for Europe. The portfolio was not amended.

On 29 July 1999, my right hon. Friend the Member for Ashfield (Mr. Hoo[...]) was appointed Minister for Europe. He was allocated responsibility for Europe, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union, the Balkans and Defence.

My hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) was appointed Minister for Europe on 12 October 1999. He was allocated responsibility for Europe, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Balkans, Defence and Entry Clearance.