§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason no devolved Administration Minister attended the 2420 European Union Council of Ministers (Transport) meeting on 26 March; which suggestions and matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation; and what information and evidence was provided by his Department to enable effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [51731]
§ Mr. Spellar[holding answer 22 April 2002]: The UK, as the member state, is represented by a member of the UK Government. It is not normal practice for a Minister from a devolved Administration to join the delegation, nor were there any from any other EU country on this occasion. The devolved Administrations are involved before Council meetings in developing the UK position, which will as necessary reflect matters of particular concern to one or all of the devolved Administrations.
I reported on the outcome of the Council to the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee and to the Chairman of the Select Committee on the European Union in the House of Lords. A written report prepared by the UK Permanent Representation in Brussels was given wide distribution among officials.
Arrangements for post-Council scrutiny in Scotland are a matter for the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive. My Department provides information to Scottish Executive officials as part of that process.