HC Deb 21 February 1996 vol 272 c161W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the names and status of those who attended an informal EU Energy Council held in February 1996; what references were made to the energy White Paper on the basis for the future framework of EU energy policy; who will represent Her Majesty's Government at the Energy Council set for 7 May; and if he will make a statement. [15778]

Mr. Eggar

I represented the United Kingdom at the informal Council in Bologna which was chaired by Professor Clo, the Italian Minister for Industry and Foreign Trade. Other member states were mostly represented at ministerial level and Commissioner Papoutsis also attended.

Other diary commitments permitting, I also intend to represent the United Kingdom at the formal Council in May. As regards the discussion on the Commission's energy policy White Paper, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Gateshead, East (Ms Quin) on 19 February 1996, Official Report, columns 46–47.