HC Deb 26 November 1996 vol 286 cc149-50W
Mr. MacShane

To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. [4940]

Mr. Lang

The cost to the Department of Trade and Industry of visits to Europe related to EU business by Ministers, accompanied by a private secretary, in the last 12 months has been some £24,000.

The Department is heavily involved in EU business in relation to a wide range of policy areas. Officials are continually involved in negotiation on EU legislation and policies affecting the UK. The cost of sending officials to meetings in Brussels and elsewhere in Europe on EU business could be identified only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. MacShane

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of his Department's time and resources are spent dealing with administrative and policy matters connected with British membership of the European Union. [4960]

Mr. Lang

Many areas within the Department of Trade and Industry deal with matters connected with British membership of the European Union as part of wider responsibilities. The data requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.