HL Deb 20 October 1993 vol 549 cc50-1WA
Lord Bruce of Donington

asked Her. Majesty's Government:

Whether at the next meeting of the European Council, they will being forward proposals for the proceedings of European Community committees to be open to the public.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

As I explained in my Answer to the noble Lord on llth October at columnWA3, a number of Council sessions are now held in public, following a decision of the Edinburgh European Council last December. Work is also in hand to follow up the conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council in June, requiring the Council and the Commission to introduce by the end of the year procedures to improve public access to information. We do not intend to propose that meetings of officials be held in public.

Lord Bruce of Donington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether at the next meeting of the European Council they intend to propose that all meetings of the Council of Ministers shall be open to the public.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

I refer the noble Lord to my Answer to his Question on 11th October (col.WA 3).