HC Deb 21 November 1996 vol 285 cc646-7W
Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what percentage of her Department's time and resources are spent dealing with administrative and policy matters connected with British membership of the European Union. [4958]

Mr. Sproat

Detailed records are not kept, which would allow such a percentage to be calculated. However, most sections of the Department are involved in some way with European Union business.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what has been the cost in the last 12 months of sending ministers and officials to meetings in Brussels and elsewhere in Europe in connection with his Department's handling of EU business. [4948]

Mr. Sproat

The cost of attendance by Department of National Heritage Ministers and officials during the period 1 November 1995–31 October 1996 at European Union meetings was £48,516.16. This includes travel costs which may be subsequently refunded by the European Commission.