HC Deb 08 February 2000 vol 344 c134W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what controls, other than the provisions of the relevant treaties, there are on the activities of the High Representative and Secretary General of the European Council; for how long the present appointment has been made; and if it is renewable. [105130]

Mr. Vaz

The role of the Secretary General of the Council and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy is to assist the Presidency. The Presidency represents the Union in matters coming within the common foreign and security policy, and is responsible for the implementation of decisions taken under the common foreign and security policy. The High Representative has been appointed for five years. There has been no discussion of whether or not this period is renewable.