§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason no devolved administration Minister attended the 4121 European Union Council of Ministers (General) meeting on 15 April; which suggestions and matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation: and what information24W and evidence was provided by his Department to enable effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [51729]
§ Peter HainDecisions on Ministerial attendance at Council meetings are taken on a case-by-case basis by the lead UK Minister. The Foreign Secretary attended this meeting, representing all parts of the UK.
It is the responsibility of the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the Scottish Executive's involvement in preparations for and follow-up to EU Council meetings. These arrangements are a matter for the Committee and the Scottish Executive. This Department provides information to Scottish Executive officials as part of that process.