§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason no devolved Administration Minister attended the Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 1 March; which particular matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation; and what information is being provided by her Department to guarantee effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [42689]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 12 March 2002]: The composition of the UK delegation to specific Council of Ministers meetings is decided in accordance with the Concordat on the Co-ordination of EU Policy Issues.
A report on the Council and matters on which I spoke is set out in my answer, of 13 March 2002, Official Report, columns 1075–76W. Post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament is a matter for that Parliament and for the Scottish Executive. Reports of Council meetings are available to Scottish Executive officials and my officials stand ready to provide other information in line with the provisions of the Concordat.