§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the Council of Ministers meetings which took matters handled by her Department since 1 May, and the Ministers who represented the United Kingdom at each. [10326]
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§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 24 July 1997]: The Minister for Science, Energy and Industry attended the Research Council on 15 May and the Energy Council on 27 May.
The Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe attended the Internal Market Council on 20 May.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Firms, Trade and Industry attended the Telecoms Council on 27 June.
The Minister of State, with Ministers from the Department for Education and Employment attended the Social Affairs Council on 27 June and an informal Social Affairs Council on 3 to 6 July.
General Affairs Councils have taken trade issues but no DTI Minister has attended since 1 May.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what meetings of the Council of Ministers are planned to take DTI business up to the end of October 1997; and which DTI Ministers will be attending each. [10327]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 24 July 1997]: Ministerial attendance at Council meetings is dependent on the agenda for each meeting.
A Telecommunications Council may take place on 2 October, which the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Firms, Trade and Industry would plan to attend.
An informal Internal Market Council is planned to take place on 3–4 October, which the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe plans to attend.
There is a Social Affairs Council planned for 7 October, which may take issues relevant to the DTI, in which case the Minister of State may attend.
General Affairs Councils are planned for 15–16 September and 6–7 October at which trade policy issues may be taken. No decision has yet been taken on attendance by DTI ministers.