§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the operation of the concordat between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government on co-ordination of European policy issues concerning agriculture; what representations she has received from the Scottish Executive to amend the concordat; and if she will make a statement. [21869]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 10 December 2001]: Our assessment is that the concordat between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government on co-ordination of European policy issues concerning agriculture has worked well. We have received no representation from the Scottish Executive to amend the concordat although it will need to be amended to reflect the change in the name of my Department. The United Kingdom Government attach great importance to ensuring that the devolved Administrations play their proper role in the development of European policy and we are in regular contact with all the devolved Administrations on European issues.