§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on Government policy towards the Robert Schuman Project to improve awareness of community law within the legal profession; and which EU budget line funds the project. [108333]
§ The Prime MinisterAn appropriate level of knowledge of Community law among judges and lawyers is vital for the proper functioning of the single market; that in turn is in the clear interests of the United Kingdom. However, a survey carried out in 1995 suggested that there could be substantial benefits in training in and use of Community law among lawyers and judges throughout the European Union. The Government therefore support the aims of this project, to offer financial assistance to national training schemes in Community law.
The Schuman project is financed from budget line B5–3001, entitled "Implementation and development of the internal market". Additional expenditure to finance administrative costs may come from budget line BA5–3001, entitled "Implementation and development of the internal market—administrative-management expenditure". The project falls within the ministerial responsibility of my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor.