Future of Europe Convention (Hansard, 14 May 2002)

§ 24. James Purnell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's aims are for the conclusions of the convention on the future of Europe.[54391]

§ Peter Hain
Our objective is an EU which is better understood, more democratic and which delivers the benefits our citizens expect.

§ 29. Mr. Hendrick
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress made by the European Union convention on the future of Europe.[54398]

§ Peter Hain
The future of Europe convention is still in its early days, but has made steady progress since the inaugural meeting on 28 February. The current "listening" phase, due to last until end-Summer, will be followed by an "analytical" phase.

§ Mr. Rosindell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those(a) social partners, (b) professional associations, (c) consumer associations, (d) academic and student/youth associations, (e) Church representatives and (f) other foundations and associations of European interest, engaged in the Civic Forum for the Convention on the Future of Europe on behalf of the United Kingdom; what criteria were used for their selection; who selected them; and if he will make a statement. [55697]

§ Peter Hain
There is no selection procedure for taking part in the civic forum-any organisation can contribute. Full details of how to participate and those organisations already doing so are on the forum's website http://europa.eu.int/futurum/.

§ Mr. Rosindell
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the submission of Mr. John Bruton to the Convention on the Future of Europe, with respect to improvements to parliamentary scrutiny. [55752]

§ Peter Hain
Mr. Bruton's paper is an interesting and wide-ranging contribution to the future of Europe debate.
The Government believe that, with the new scrutiny arrangements introduced to Parliament on 17 November 1998, UK scrutiny arrangements compare favourably with arrangements in many other EU member states. The Government are committed to effective scrutiny and welcome suggestions for further improvement.