HL Deb 20 December 1973 vol 348 cc579-80WA
LORD O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To publish the following information about working parties in the Council of the European Communities:—

  1. (1) How many such working parties are now active, and what is the function of each of them.
  2. (2) Whether the British members of these groups are accountable to 580 Westminster, and, if so, through which Minister.

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

There are currently about 50 working groups of the Council. The main function of the working groups is to prepare the ground for decisions by the Council over the whole range of Community activity.

The exact number of groups varies as new ones are formed to deal with certain issues and others which have served their purpose are disbanded. Some groups are more or less permanent, for instance those dealing with the Community budget, with juridical affairs or with staff regulations. Others have a limited time span. Examples of the latter are the groups on India and Brazil (trade agreements have now been signed with both countries).

United Kingdom Ministers are responsible for the actions of British representatives on Council working groups. The precise allocation of Ministerial responsibility depends on the subject matter in hand.