§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers and officials have participated in the Step Change Project efforts, initiatives and visits; and if he will list those efforts, initiatives and visits. [128722]
§ Mr. VazAs part of the Government's Step Change initiative, all Departments have taken steps to increase contacts with EU member states and the applicants. It is impossible to quantify the precise number of initiatives and visits which have arisen from the process. Ministers and officials with an interest in EU business across all Departments have participated in the initiative.
§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those backbench hon. Members who have participated in the Step Change Project efforts, initiatives and visits. [128719]
§ Mr. VazThe Step Change initiative is designed to build on and extend Government-to-Government links. As such, it involves Ministers and officials in increasing contacts with EU member states and applicant countries.290W Activities arising from the Government's increased engagement with its partners may involve other participants, including MPs (from all parties).
§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the cost to date of the Step Change Project; and if he will itemise those costs. [128720]
§ Mr. VazIt is not possible to quantify the costs arising solely from the Step Change initiative since it is an integral part of the Government's European policy, which builds on and extends existing contacts.