§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will agree to formal representation of the Scottish Executive in Dover house. [27735]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Executive have since devolution had an agreement with the Scotland Office enabling Scottish Ministers and officials to use Dover house.
§ Mr. Peter DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps she is taking to encourage greater participation by Ministers of the Scottish Executive in European Council of Ministers meetings on matters of policy which are devolved. [27734]
§ Mrs. LiddellGovernment policy on these matters is set out in the Memorandum of Understanding, and the concordats on International Relations and Co-ordination of European Policy Issues, agreed between the Government and the devolved Administrations.
In accordance with these agreements, the Scottish Executive are involved in formulating the UK policy position on issues which touch on matters within their responsibility. They may also form part of the UK delegation at Council of Ministers meetings where matters with a significant impact on their devolved responsibilities are to be discussed, and speak for the UK in appropriate cases, with the agreement of the lead UK Minister.
It is for the Scottish Executive to agree with the lead UK Minister on those occasions where they wish to attend. They have done so on a regular basis.