§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many committees are appointed to assist the European Commission in implementing Community legislation; how often they meet; what is the nature of their(a) ministerial and (b) parliamentary supervision; and if he will make a statement. [12745]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Council comitology decision of 13 July 1987 provides for certain types of committee to assist the Commission in the implementation of Council legislation. The European Community budget for 1997 provides for 374 such committees. They meet as824W and when their opinion is required for the implementation of Council legislation. The majority of these committees are made up of officials who represent the Member States. UK officials are under the supervision of Government Ministers, who in turn are answerable to Parliament.