HL Deb 06 February 1996 vol 569 cc11-2WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch asked

Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer given by the Baroness Chalker of Wallasey on 25 January (H.L. Deb., cols. 1124–6), how often they have been in disagreement with other member states in the Council of Ministers or the European Commission, hut have refrained from pressing the issue to a vote because it was clear that the United Kingdom would he outvoted.

Lord Chesham:

When the Government believe that it is in the British interest to vote against a proposal, we do so.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch asked

Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer given by the Baroness Chalker of Wallasey on 25 January (H.L. Deb., cols. 1124–6), how often the United Kingdom has been defeated on votes giving rise to Commission regulations or other instruments which become law without being considered by the Council of Ministers or national parliaments.

Lord Chesham:

The Council may, under Article 145, confer on the Commission powers for the implementation of rules which the Council has laid down. These powers are exercised in Committees chaired by the Commission and attended by representatives of member states according to voting rules laid down in the Comitology decision (Council decision of 13 July 1987, OJ L 197, 18.7 1987, p.33). We do not keep records of votes taken in such committees. The information requested could therefore be supplied only at disproportionate cost.