HC Deb 02 July 2002 vol 388 cc247-8W
Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for beef and veal is next due to meet; whether experts nominated by the Scottish Executive(a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement. [64888]

Mr. Morley

The EU Beef Management Committee is due to meet on 28 June and on 12 July. UK representation depends on the agenda items under discussion. Officials from the Scottish Executive and other devolved administrations attend as necessary in accordance with their interests.

Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for sheep and goats is next due to meet; whether experts nominated by the Scottish Executive(a) have been and (b) are members; and if she will make a statement. [63930]

Mr. Morley

Under Article 25 of Council Regulation 2529–2001 on the common organisation of the market in sheepmeat and goatmeat the Commission is mandated to establish a management committee to deal with market management of the sector and any matters arising for which the Commission has competence.

Within the previous 12 months the management committee has met on nine occasions. The Sheepmeat Management Committee is due to meet in two months time to review the market situation and the impact of the recent reforms.

UK representation on the EU's Sheep Management Committees depends on the agenda items under discussion. Officials from the Scottish Executive and other devolved administrations attend as necessary in accordance with their interests.