§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the EU Standing Committee on the approximation of the laws of the member States relating to machinery is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive(a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement. [66441]
§ Ms HewittIt is my understanding that the hon. Member is referring to the Standing Committee set up under Article 6.2 of Directive 98/37/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to machinery. It is anticipated that the above Committee will meet later in the year, however, dates have not been set. The UK is represented by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry. They are supported by a technical expert from the Health and Safety Executive. The Scottish Executive is regularly consulted on, and is fully involved in, discussions at official and Ministerial level with the Department on the formulation of EU policy which touch on matters which fall within the responsibilities of the Scottish Executive.