§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason no devolved Administration Minister attended the 2425 European Union Council of Ministers meeting (General Affairs) on 13 May; which particular suggestions and matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the United Kingdom Government delegation; and what information and evidence was provided by his Department to enable post-council security by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [58305]
§ Peter HainDecisions on Ministerial attendance at Council meetings are taken on a case-by-case basis by the lead UK Minister. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I attended this meeting, representing all parts of the UK.
It is the responsibility of the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the Scottish Executive's involvement in preparations for and follow-up to EU Council meetings. These arrangements are a matter for the Committee and the Scottish Executive. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides information to Scottish Executive officials as part of that process.