§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the allocated budget is for entertainment for the Praesidium of the Convention on the Future of Europe; what representations he has made thereon; and if he will make a statement. [57896]
§ Peter HainOf the Convention's euro 10.5 million (approximately £6.49 million) budget (which includes administrative costs and travel expenses), euro 150,000 (approximately £92,700) has been set aside for 'representational expenses'. An inter-institutional agreement provides for regular reports on expenditure of the Convention to be provided to the institutions, including the Council.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on his policy within the discussions on the Convention on the Future of Europe as concerns development of(a) the Common Defence Policy, with particular reference to existing provisions for possible development of communal defence, (b) Justice and Home Affairs matters, (c) the Common Foreign Policy, (d) extension of qualified majority voting, (e) repatriation of powers, (f) the establishment of a set determination of powers and (g) extension of Social Chapter material; [57884]
(2) if he will make a statement on his policy on discussions on (a) environmental issues, (b)(i) incorporation and (ii) extension of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, (c) treaty simplification, (d) introducing sunset clauses into EU legislation, (e) common fisheries policy, (f) common agricultural policy, (g) the role of national Parliaments, (h) implementation and development of subsidiarity, (i) fiscal harmonisation, (j) employment law, (k) education, (l) culture, (m) budgetary control, (n) election of Commissioners and (o) ratification through referendums in the Convention on the Future of Europe. [57861]
§ Peter HainWe are in the early days of the Future of Europe Convention, which is currently in a 'listening phase'. Our overall objective is an EU which is better understood, more democratic and which delivers the benefits out citizens expect. Details of Convention discussions can be found at www.european-convention.eu.int.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on proposals he is seeking to include for discussion at the Convention on the Future of Europe for increased parliamentary participation in the legislative programme at European level. [57915]
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§ Peter HainThe Laeken Declaration noted the contribution of national Parliaments to the legitimacy of the European project. We wish to promote open debate about how this might be achieved.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's planned role in publicising the(a) activities, (b) conclusions and (c) variety of opinions of the Convention on the Future of Europe. [57903]
§ Peter HainDiscussions and all official documents of the Future of Europe Convention are in the public domain. Progress can be followed, and submitted documents can be consulted, via the Convention's website (http://european-convention.eu.int). The FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk) also provides information on the Future of Europe.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has(a) made and (b) received on the establishment of an agenda for discussions at the Convention on the Future of Europe. [57914]
§ Peter HainThe Laeken Declaration, agreed by Heads of State and Government of all the member states, convened the Future of Europe Convention and established its agenda—"to consider the key issues arising for the Union's future development and try to identify the various possible responses".