HL Deb 18 February 1999 vol 597 c87WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 21 October 1997 (WA 207), what were the results of the review with respect to the United Kingdom's possible participation in the work of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission). [HL932]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

United Kingdom membership of the Council of Europe (CoE) European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) would fall to the FCO budget.

Final decisions on FCO priority spending in future financial years are still under consideration. Existing inescapable commitments must remain our first priority.