§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of times he has visited Brussels in the last year; with which Commissioners he has met on each occasion; and which policy matters were discussed. [16051]
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 29 March 1995]: In the last year, I have undertaken two visits to Brussels. On 8 and 9 September, I visited Brussels to participate in the 50th anniversary celebrations of the liberation of Belgium but did not meet Commissioners on that occasion. On 21 and 22 March, I again visited Brussels and met Commissioner Liikanen to discuss budget reforms and Commissioner Fischler to discuss Scottish agricultural issues and structural funds for rural areas. I also spoke to Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan about trade issues. My noble Friend the Minister of State visited Brussels on 8 279W March when he met Commissioner Bonino and discussed matters relating to fisheries policy.
In addition to these meetings, Scottish Ministers have attended the following meetings of the European Council of Ministers in Brussels and other locations:
Meetings 12 April 1994 Fisheries Council Minister of State 27–28 May 1994 Justice/Interior Issues Minister of State 3–4 June 1994 Regional Policy Mr. Stewart 10 June 1994 Fisheries Council Sir Hector Monro 28 September 1994 Fisheries Council Sir Hector Monro 23 November 1994 Fisheries Council Sir Hector Monro 19–20 December 1994 Fisheries Council Sir Hector Monro 22 December 1994 Fisheries Council (Continuation) Lord Fraser 6 April 1995 Fisheries Council Sir Hector Monro