HL Deb 17 June 1996 vol 573 cc1-2WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the British members of the Assembly of European Regions (belonging to the Council of Europe) are selected, and how those of other member states are selected.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Although its General Secretariat is located in Strasbourg, the Assembly of European Regions (AER) has no connection with the Council of Europe. All UK counties and metropolitan districts are eligible to become members upon payment of a fee, the amount of which is calculated according to the population of each region. About 30 counties and metropolitan districts of England and Wales are currently members, as were the former Scottish regions prior to local government reorganisation on 1st April 1996. Outside the UK, we understand regions defined by the AER as "the level of government situated immediately below that of the central State", i.e., German (Land) or Swiss (Canton), are eligible for membership subject to payment of the fee. AER membership is open to all such regions of Europe, including central and eastern Europe.