§ Mr. HowardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of proposals for establishing a court of political auditors to scrutinise EU initiatives. [49298]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Heads of State or Government of EU Member States will meet during the Austrian Presidency to continue their discussion at the 515W Cardiff European Council of the future development of the EU, including ways to enhance democratic legitimacy. Like other Member States, the Government will be considering a wide range of ideas in this context.
§ Mr. HowardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to launch a fundamental review of policy towards the European Union. [49299]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonWe are considering future developments in the European Union and how Britain should approach them. That was one of our top priorities when we came to office last year: we want to use the opportunities that our membership of the European Union provides in order to get the best possible deal for the British people.
It is timely that we should return to this issue now the Presidency is behind us, and in the context of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's decision to begin at the Cardiff European Council a debate on the future of Europe.