HL Deb 31 May 1995 vol 564 cc76-7WA
Lord Bruce of Donington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, with reference to their Written Answer of 1 May last, they will now state the date and nature of the original specific authority given to the European Commission to establish, maintain and enlarge its Unified External Service.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The establishment of the Unified External Service falls within the European Commission's power to organise its own departments. There is therefore no requirement on the Commission to obtain authority to establish or operate this service. The service enables the Commission to carry out the functions delegated to it, particularly in relation to development assistance and the common commercial policy.