§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the European Communities working groups which met over the last 12 months with a representative from her Department in attendance; if she will list the number of times each met; if she will indicate the nature of the Government's representation; and if she will make a statement. [88485]
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§ Clare ShortTo answer the question in the format requested would be subject to the disproportionate cost rule. In general, UKREP attend most EC working group meetings. The need for DFID staff participation is decided according to the agenda for each meeting.
Listed are the working groups with which DFID are most closely involved and the usual frequency of meetings:
Working Group Frequency Development Co-operation Weekly ACPFIN Monthly Food Aid Post Lome Meeting about twice per week during current treaty negotiations. At other times meetings would be quarterly ACP Working Group Monthly GSP Quartely This Department also follows the outcome of a range of other working groups on subjects that have a bearing on DFID responsibilities, as below:
- Asia and Oceania
- Central Europe
- Eastern Europe and Central Asia
- Asia/Latin America
- Maghreb/Mashraq
- Western Balkans.
In addition, DFID staff also attend a number of EC management committee meetings chaired by the Commission covering EC programme/project management issues including European Development Fund (EDF) and the Asia Latin America, Mediterranean, Phare, Tacis, Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid programmes.