§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) formal and (b) informal meetings her Department has undertaken with the European Commission since 1 January; and if she will make a statement. [54487]
§ Mr. MorleyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and her Ministerial colleagues meet the relevant Commissioners at meetings of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment Councils. In addition, the Secretary of State has met bilaterally with Commissioners Fischler (twice), Byrne, Wallstrom, Kinnock and Patten. I have met Fischler once during the period mentioned. The number of contacts between officials of the Department and representatives of the Commission, in the wide range of fora where they meet, could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.