HC Deb 22 May 2002 vol 386 cc371-2W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the mandate of the Contact Committee European economic interest grouping is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [56767]

Ms Hewitt

I have been asked to reply.

The mandate of the European Economic Interest Grouping Contact Committee is set out at article 42 of the Council Regulation of 25 July 1985 on the European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) (2137/85/EEC). Its functions are as follows:

  1. (a) to facilitate, without prejudice to articles 169 and 170 of the treaty, application of the regulation through regular consultation dealing in particular with practical problems arising in connection with its application;
  2. (b) to advise the Commission, if necessary, on additions or amendments to the regulation.
The committee has not met in the last 12 months and, consequently, there have been no costs incurred by the Department associated with the work of the committee and there are no on-going issues subject to its consideration. The UK would be represented in meetings of the committee by officials and lawyers of the Department.