§ Lord Howell of Guildfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their current policy towards the reform and reorganisation of the Commission of the European Union. [HL4422]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)As part of the IGC, the Government would be prepared to see a reduction in the size of the Commission, provided this was accompanied by a substantial re-weighting of votes in the Council of Ministers. The Government also support restructuring the College of Commissioners to allow it to organise its work effectively. These changes would ensure that the Commission can remain effective after enlargement.
The Government also strongly support the process of management reform that is currently under way in the Commission, which should help to ensure that the Commission is more accountable, efficient and transparent.