Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the United Kingdom has not signed the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities; when the Convention was opened for signature; how many nations have signed this convention; and if he will make a statement. [96474]
§ Ms Beverley HughesI have been asked to reply.
The European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities was opened for signature on 21 May 1980 and to date has been signed by 32 member states of the Council of Europe.
United Kingdom local authorities have entered into a number of transfrontier arrangements with local and regional authorities in other states, which the Government strongly welcomes. None of these arrangements to date have needed to be underpinned by the Convention.