§ The Earl of Selborneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the European Commission's Director General of Fisheries was transferred to alternative responsibilities; and whether there was any pressure from the Spanish Presidency. [HL4387]
9WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)The European Commission is responsible for senior staffing within the Commission services. The Commission announced changes affecting 13 senior staff on 24 April. The post of Director-General of Fisheries Policy is being advertised within the Commission. The present director-general remains in post pending the new appointment. I am aware of no evidence that the Presidency had any involvement in these events, and indeed Commission statements have rebutted the suggestion that there was any such involvement.