HL Deb 05 February 2001 vol 621 cc80-1WA
Lord Shore of Stepney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

With reference to the Presidency report to the Nice Council on European Union security and defence policy, what are the functions and responsibilities of the Directorate General for External Affairs within the European Union Council's Secretariat; and whether the post of director general has yet been filled. [HL408]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

In accordance with Article 207 of the Treaty on European Union and with the conclusions of the Council meeting on 11 May 1992, the General Secretariat, under the responsibility of the Secretary General, assists the Council and its preparatory bodies in all the tasks devolving on it under the Treaty on European Union, including the common foreign and security policy which is handled within a single Directorate General for External Affairs. The Presidency report to the Nice European Council on European security and defence policy does not change the functions and responsibilities of the General Secretariat of the Council.

The post of Director General of the Directorate General for External Affairs has been filled since 1994 by Brian Crowe.