§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to make British members of the EU Committee of the Regions directly elected by the regions they represent; [17197]
(2) what plans he has to review the method of appointment of British members of the EU Committee of the Regions; and if he will make a statement. [17340]
§ Angela EagleMy right hon. Friend has no such plans. Members of the Committee of the Regions are appointed by the Council of Ministers of the European Union following nominations by member states. Under the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993 United Kingdom members of the Committee must be elected members of a local authority at the time of their nomination. Any change to the method of appointment, including the direct election of members, would require a Treaty amendment agreed by all European Union member states acting unanimously.