HC Deb 13 February 2002 vol 380 c439W
Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made concerning reforming the decision making process of the European Union. [35638]

Peter Hain

The Government are in favour of reform which makes the EU more efficient and effective in delivering the benefits citizens expect. The Convention on the Future of Europe, which starts on 28 February, will begin a debate on how best to achieve these goals. The Government have not sought to prejudge the work of the Convention by making detailed representations at this stage.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals on the future distribution of competences between the European Union and its member states the Minister for Europe, in his role as the Government's representative on the Convention on the Future of Europe, will be making to the Convention on the Future of Europe; and if he will make a statement. [35850]

Peter Hain

I welcome the opportunity the Convention on the Future of Europe gives us to look at who does what. The complexity of the present situation is undesirable. We will work towards a solution which gives us flexibility and transparency.