HC Deb 27 October 1999 vol 336 cc899-900W
17. Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the UKRep regarding the presentation of Welsh interests to the European Commission. [94093]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I plan to visit Brussels and meet senior UKRep officials shortly to discuss a range of issues. The UK Government remain responsible for relations with the European Union but wishes to involve the Assembly as fully as possible in decision-making on EU matters which touch on devolved areas. The concordat between the UK Government and the National Assembly for Wales on co-ordination of European Union policy issues, published earlier this month, sets out the framework for ensuring that the Assembly's interests are adequately represented.