HL Deb 11 May 1993 vol 545 c61WA
Lord Tebbit

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many European summit meetings have included among ministerial representatives, Ministers subsequently arrested for or known to be under investigation in connection with financial corruption.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

There have been at least 50 summit meetings since 1974 involving two or more Ministers from each member state. The information requested could only be provided at disproportionate costs.

Lord Tebbit

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any of the signatories to the Treaty of Maastricht have been subsequently arrested for, or are known to be under investigation in connection with, financial corruption.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Of the 24 Foreign and Finance Ministers who signed the Treaty on European Union in Maastricht on 7th February 1992, one (the former Italian Foreign Minister) is under investigation.

Lord Tebbit

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list those meetings of the Council of Ministers within the last five years at which directives have been agreed or decisions affecting United Kingdom citizens have been taken, which have involved participation by Ministers subsequently arrested for, or known to be under investigation in connection with, financial corruption.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Since there are, on average, about 100 council meetings each year, the information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.