§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Implementation of the Multiannual Community Programme to stimulate the development and use of European digital content on the global networks and to promote linguistic diversity in the information society eContent 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56741]
§ Ms HewittThe Multiannual Community programme to stimulate the development and use of European digital content on the global networks and to promote the linguistic diversity in the information society (known as the eContent programme) was established under Council Decision 2001/48/EC. The Decision required the establishment of a committee, the mandate of which is to assist the Commission in running the programme. In particular the Committee will be informed of progress with the implementation of the programme as a whole on at least a half yearly basis. The Commission will also seek approval of the Committee for the funding of any projects with a Community contribution of over 700,000 euros. The Committee has met three times over the last 12 months. The UK representation is usually one official from the Department for Trade and Industry. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
Current issues before the Committee are drawing up a new work programme for the second half of the programme and overseeing a mid-term evaluation of the programme. It will also be involved in preparing a call for proposals towards the end of the year.
We submitted an explanatory memorandum on the proposal for a Council Decision to the House of Commons and House of Lords on 2 October 2002. The Commons European Scrutiny Committee considered it politically important and cleared, but asked that any significant changes should be reported before it was put to Council for Common position (there were in fact no significant changes and the Scrutiny Committee removed the item from the list of outstanding business).
Together with members states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees (like the eContent Programme Committee) into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM (2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through the Commission's website.
384W
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on Projects of Common Interest in the field of trans-European telecommunications networks (TEN-telecom) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56740]
§ Ms HewittThe information requested is included in the reply to parliamentary question no. 55688 answered today.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for granting community financial aid in the field of trans-European telecommunications networks 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55688]
§ Ms HewittThe trans-European telecommunications networks (TEN-Telecom) programme is part of the trans-European networks (TENs) initiative established under Article 156 of the treaty and is governed by the general rules for the granting of community aid in the field of trans-European networks (regulation 2236/95, amended by regulation 1655/99). In addition, regulation 1336/97 established a series of guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks. Both regulations require the establishment of a committee, the mandate of which is to assist the Commission in the implementation of the regulations. The TENs financial committee relating to telecommunications and the TEN-Telecom guidelines committee have the same membership and meet in joint sittings.
The committees have met three times over the last 12 months. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
Current issues before the committees are: drawing up a new work programme to implement the revision to the programme guidelines for the identification of projects of common interest which is currently being considered by the European Parliament; revising the evaluation process for project proposals; and preparing for calls for proposals in June and October 2002.
We have submitted explanatory memoranda to the House of Commons and House of Lords scrutiny committees on the TEN-Telecom programme, most recently: on the implementation of the programme guidelines and the development of the revised guidelines (Report 22, Item 23071, Session 2001/02); on the overall evaluation of the guidelines for the development of Euro-Integrated Services Digital Network as a trans-European network (Report 26, Item 21293, Session 99/00); and on the Court of Auditors report on the programme (Report 26, Item 21266, Session 99/00). The Commons European Scrutiny Committee considered these politically important and cleared.
385WTogether with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees (such as the TEN-Telecom committees) into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through the Commission's website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on security of information systems (SOS-GIS) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56738]
§ Ms HewittThe mandate establishing SOG-IS was set out in Article 1 Council Decision 92/242/EEC of 31 March 1992 OJ L123 dated 08.05.92 p.19. The Committee has not met for over three years and there are no issues under consideration at present.
Together with member states, the commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
As an obligation to this decision the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of the committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final).
As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on electronic signatures 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56734]
§ Ms HewittThe mandate establishing the Committee on electronic signatures was set out in Article 9(1) of the Directive 99/93/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 1999 on a Community framework for electronic signatures OJL13 dated 19 January 2001 page 12. The committee has not met for nearly two years and there are no issues under consideration at present.
386WTogether with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final).As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Management of Generalised Preference 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55394]
§ Ms HewittThe functions of the Generalised Preference Committee are set out in the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No. 2501/2001 of 10 December 2001). Its function is to assist the Commission in the implementation of the GSP Regulation. According to the GSP Regulation (Article 37),
The Committee may examine any matter relating to the application of this regulation raised by the Commission or at the request of a Member State".Thus, due to the nature of the committee, it does not meet regularly, but rather meets as and when necessary. It has met seven times since the beginning of May 2001. The DTI has lead policy responsibility for the GSP scheme as a whole, and therefore attends such meetings where possible. Such participation is an essential function of the Department's responsibilities. In addition, the UK Representation to the European Union normally attends where possible.It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
The items currently under consideration include: application for additional preference under Article 8 (Special Incentive Arrangements); management of quotas under Article 9 (Special Arrangements for Least Developed Countries); Commission proposals under Article 12 (Graduation on and off the scheme).
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".The effects of this decision have already been incorporated into the GSP Regulation and the operation of the GSP Committee. As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on 387W the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent action, to be accessible through the website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on fees, implementation rules and the procedure of the boards of appeal of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (Trademarks and Designs) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56766]
§ Ms HewittThe committee's mandate is to assist the Commission in adopting fees and rules covering procedure before the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (the Community trade mark and designs office) and its boards of appeal, as required by Council Regulation (EC) No. 40/94 of 20 December 1993 on the Community trade mark and Council Regulation (EC) No. 6/2002 of 12 December 2001 on Community designs.
The committee has met four times in the last 12 months. The UK representation comprises appropriate experts from the Patent Office, depending on the subject matter of the meeting. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. The current programme of work consists of agreement rules and fees relating to the new Community registered design system, which is expected to commence next year.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the mandate of the Textile Committee (Conventional Regime) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55398]
(2) what the mandate of the Committee on Common Rules for Imports of Textile Products from Certain Third Countries (autonomous regime) is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation 388W on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55397]
§ Ms HewittThese committees meet together as the "Textile Management Committee". Their mandate is to manage the EC's licensing control regimes for the import of textile products from WTO (conventional regime) and non-WTO countries (autonomous regime). The group has met eight times over the last year. A Department of Trade and Industry official represents the UK. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of its work without incurring disproportionate cost. This committee is currently considering the on-going management of the licensing regime for imports of certain textile products. Any EC legislation resulting from these committees is already subject to the parliamentary scrutiny procedures.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on state aid for the application of Articles 92 and 93 of the EC Treaty to certain categories of horizontal state aid (exemption) 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 the public funding; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55223]
(2) what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on state aid on the arrangements for applying Article 93 of the EC Treaty (Procedure) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55224]
§ Ms HewittThe Advisory Committee on state aid is established under Council Regulation 659/1999/EC. It has met once in the last 12 months and was attended by a departmental official and an officer from the UK Permanent Representation. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. The committee is currently considering a draft regulation on matters concerning employment aid. Details of this proposal appeared for public consultation in theOfficial Journal 2002/C 88/02 on 12 April 2002.
389W
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on Protection against Subsidised Imports 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55345]
(2) what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on Protection against Dumped Imports 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55344]
§ Ms HewittThe mandate of the Anti-dumping and Anti-subsidy Advisory Committee is to cover any European Commission anti-dumping and anti-subsidy proposals, and to discuss, as raised, third country actions against member states. The Committee generally meets on a monthly basis and written procedure is used to cover any outstanding issues as required. A Department of Trade and Industry official represents the UK. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. The committee is currently considering various European Commission proposals on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy action. Any European Community legislation resulting from this committee is already subject to the parliamentary scrutiny procedures.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final) (Commission Document 5685/02). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the co-ordinating Group for the Community Regime for the Control of Exports of Dual-use Goods 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55392]
§ Ms HewittThe mandate of the Co-ordination Group for the Community Regime for the Control of Exports of Dual-use Items and Technology is set out in Article 18 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2000 and published in theOfficial Journal of the European Communities of 30 June 2000, a copy of which is available in the Libraries of the House.
390WThe items under discussion include the type and quality of information transmitted to the Commission for publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities and distributed to member states under various Articles contained within the regulation; areas of concern encountered by member states in implementing the regulation and addressing potential difficulties before they arise; and the exchange of views relating to a recent questionnaire distributed by the Commission to candidate countries concerning implementation of the regulation. The Co-ordination Group has met four times in the last 12 months and is attended by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry and other Government Departments as appropriate. Information on the annual cost to the UK Government is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The committee has no power to take decisions that have any legal effect. Where the need for change to the regulation is found it is for the Commission to bring forward proposals for legislative amendments and all such proposals are subject to scrutiny in accordance with the existing arrangements for parliamentary scrutiny of Community legislation.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the development of the internal market in postal services and the improvement of the quality of service 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56752]
§ Ms HewittThe legal base for the committee is Directive 97/67/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 15 December 1997, on common rules for the development of the internal market of Community postal services and the improvement of quality of service (the "Postal Directive"). It last met on 16 May 2001 and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and from the Postal Services Commission attended that meeting. Members of the UK's representation to the European Commission may also attend such meetings. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on public contracts 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; 391W if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56747]
§ Ms HewittThe EC Advisory Committee on Public Procurement discusses issues and exchanges views in the field of public procurement. Since January 2001 the advisory committee has met on six occasions. Officials from the Office of Government Commerce represent the UK Government. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
At the last meeting of the advisory committee the items discussed were: the Common Procurement Vocabulary Regulation; Commission Directive on standard forms; Government Procurement Agreement revision; establishment of statistical data; international aspects of statistical data; Internal Market indicators; technical issues on Article 19a (contracts awarded to entities owned by a contracting authority) of the draft public sector directive; draft new rules of procedure.
Together with EC member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com(2001)783 Final).
As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the mandate of the Committee for granting community financial aid in the field of trans-European energy networks 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55641]
(2) what the mandate of the committee for the implementation of the series of guidelines for trans-European energy networks 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55647]
§ Ms HewittThe mandate of the committee granting Community financial aid in the field of trans-European energy networks (energy TENS) is Council Regulation 2236/95 (TENS Financial Assistance). Its role is to select EU energy infrastructure projects to receive financial392W support under the Community's guidelines for trans-European energy networks. These guidelines are agreed by the Committee for the implementation of the guidelines established under Decision 1254/EC. Eligible projects are those needed for effective integration and operation of the EU's energy market and in order to enhance the EU's security of energy supply.
The (energy) TENS financial aid committee has met once over the last 12 months. UK representation is by an official from this Department. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. The (energy) TENS guidelines committee usually meets annually but has not met in the last 12 months. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
The European Commission has made proposals for changes to the form of funding and the definition of priority axes or links. In terms of accountability and transparency to Parliament, this Department has submitted two Explanatory Memoranda to the Commons Scrutiny Committee:
EM 7291/2 concerning the European Commission's amended proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No. 2236/95/EC laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks, at its meeting on 8 May 2002; andEM 6990/2 concerning the European Commission's Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No. 1254/96/EC laying down a series of guidelines for trans-European energy networks.These documents were considered at the Scrutiny Committee's meeting of 8 May 2002, and were considered to be politically important and cleared.Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com(2001)783 Final).
As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on the implementation of open network provision (ONP) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56735]
§ Ms HewittThe committee was established under the open network provisions directive (Council Directive 90/387/EEC on the establishment of the internal 393W market for telecommunications services through the implementation of open network provision) to give its opinion on measures proposed by the Commission in the field of open network provision for telecommunications, after consulting representatives of the organisation providing telecommunications services, the users, the consumers, the manufacturers and the service providers. The Commission has met four times over the past 12 months: in July and October 2001 and February and April 2002.
The UK representation normally consists of one official from DTI and two from Oftel, supplemented when required by specific agenda items by experts from either body. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate costs. Issues currently under consideration are: implementation of the new regulatory framework for electronic communications; sharing of information on local broadband access and leased lines; the adoption of the future internet protocol IPv6; mobile phone call termination cost structures; the introduction of the ".eu" domain name; universal service obligations; and the procedures for gathering information for the Commission's eighth report on the implementation of the current regulatory regime, due for publication at the end of this year.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC to
simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on economic outward-processing arrangements for textiles 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56787]
§ Ms HewittThe mandate of this committee is to manage the EC's economic outward-processing arrangements for textiles (OPT) regime (EC Regulation 3036/94). The administration of these arrangements is considered in the "Textile Management Committee". A Department of Trade and Industry official represents the UK. This committee last met in 1996. There are no proposals currently before this committee. Any EC legislation resulting from this committee is subject to parliamentary scrutiny procedures.
394WTogether with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on general authorisations and individual licences in the field of telecommunications services 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56736]
§ Ms HewittThe committee was established under the Licensing Directive (directive 97/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 April 1997 on a common framework for general authorisations and individual licences in the field of telecommunications services) to foster the exchange of information between the member states and between the member states and the Commission on the situation and the development of regulatory activities regarding the authorisation of telecommunications services; and to receive information from the Commission on the outcome of regular consultations with the representatives of telecommunications organisations, users, consumers, manufacturers, service providers and trade unions. The committee has met twice over the past 12 months: in October 2001 and January 2002.
The UK representation normally consists of one official each from Oftel and the Radiocommunications Agency. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. Issues currently under consideration are: sharing of communications infrastructure, removing the need for individual licences for the use of radio spectrum, development of third general mobile systems within Europe and the deregulation of satellite dishes, frequencies and systems in order to facilitate multi-media applications.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the 395W Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of state for Trade and Industry (1) what the mandate of the Committee on the rational and efficient use of energy resources (SAVE) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55650]
(2) what the mandate of the Committee for the promotion of renewable energy sources (ALTENER) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55651]
(3) what the mandate of the Committee for the safety of nuclear installations in the countries participating in the TACIS programme (SURE) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55652]
(4) what the mandate of the Committee for clean solid fuels technologies (CARNOT) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55653]
(5) what the mandate of the Committee for the reinforcement of international energy co-operation (SYNERGY) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55654]
(6) what the mandate of the Committee for the future development of energy policy (ETAP) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [55655]
(7) what the mandate of the Committee for implementation of the multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1999 to 2002) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55656]
396W
§ Ms HewittI am answering these questions together since the individual programmes mentioned are all activities which come under the EU's multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998–2002). The mandate for these activities is set out in Council Decision 1999/21/EC of 14 December 1998. One committee meets in six different configurations. The aim of the framework programme is to contribute to the balanced pursuit of the energy policy objectives of security of supply, competitiveness and protection of the environment. A list of related Decisions follows.
The role of the committee in the respective configurations is as follows: under the ALTENER Decision, the committee promotes renewable energy sources; under the SURE Decision the committee promotes safety of nuclear installations in countries supported by the EU's TACIS (Technical Assistance for the Commonwealth of Independent States) programme; under the CARNOT Decision the committee promotes the development and effective use of clean solid fuel technologies; under the SYNERGY Decision the committee reinforces international energy co-operation with reference to improving security of energy supply and improving countries' abilities to meet their environmental obligations under the Kyoto Convention; and under the ETAP Decision the Committee undertakes a programme of studies, analyses, forecasts and other related work concerning the future development of energy policy within the Community.
Generally, the committee meets once per year in respect of each Decision. With the exceptions of its responsibilities under the ETAP Decision (for which there was no meeting in the period in question) and under the ALTENER and SAVE Decisions (on which the committee met twice combining the two subjects), the committee met to discuss each individual Decision once in the past 12 months (April 2001 to end of March 2002). Each meeting lasted one day with the exception of the second meeting on ALTENER/SAVE which lasted two days. Attendance is by an official from this Department with the exception of SAVE which is attended by an official from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The committee discussed issues relating to SURE in the same meeting as it discussed SYNERGY. These factors together make for a total of five meetings over the past year. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
There are two key items currently under the consideration of the Committee of the Energy Framework Programme. The first is the result of the mid-term evaluation of the programme (1998–2002) carried out by independent experts. The second key item under the committee's consideration is the Commission's proposal for a Multiannual Programme for Action in the Field of Energy: "Intelligent Energy for European" Programme (2003–06) (COM (2002) 162 FINAL. This is in large part a continuation of existing activities in the Energy Framework Programme (1998–2002) though it would introduce also a new programme on the energy aspects of transport. In respect of SYNERGY, the committee will be considering applications for project support under the next SYNERGY tender later this year. The next meeting (to be arranged) in respect of ALTENER/SAVE will be considering the evaluation of the final call for proposals 397W which closed in April 2002. The next meeting in respect of CARNOT will be doing likewise—though the Commission may decide to deal with this by written procedure. It is likely that EU support under SURE and ETAP will be discontinued.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to
simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final).As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on product safety emergencies is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the United Kingdom representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [57491]
§ Ms HewittThe committee is mandated under the General Product Safety Directive (EC/92/59, recently revised as 2001–95) to assist the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities under that directive. In particular, the committee is required to give its opinion on drafts of measures to be taken by the Commission. The purpose of the directive is to ensure that consumer products placed on the market in the Community are safe.
The committee has met three times over the last 12 months. The UK is represented on the committee by the Department of Trade and Industry. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.
The committee is currently considering a range of administrative issues arising from the revision of the directive. From time to time the committee also considers particular product safety issues when requested to do so by a member state.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC. As part of this review, the Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the mandate of the Customs Code Committee dealing with tariff quotas 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 she will list the items currently under398W its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [56785]
(2) what the mandate of the Customs Code Committee dealing with favourable tariff treatment (nature of end-use of goods) 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [56781]
(3) what the mandate of the Customs Code Committee dealing with the single administrative document 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [56778]
(4) what the mandate of the Customs Code Committee dealing with origin 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 she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56782]
§ Mr. BoatengI have been asked to reply.
The legal basis for all sections of the Customs Code Committee is set out in Article 247 of the Community Customs Code (Council Regulation EEC 2913/92). The mandate of the committee is to examine any questions relating to the implementation of this regulation.
The table shows the frequency of meetings for all sections of the Customs Code Committee.
Name of section1 Meetings in last year End Use 5 Tariff Quotas 3 Origin 110 SAD 3 1 Occasionally meetings may be spread over two days. The UK is normally represented by one official from HM Customs and Excise.
Travel expenses for one official are re-imbursed by the Commission. The usual cost of overnight accommodation and subsistence is per day per official is 217.95 euro (£134.70).
Items considered by the sections of the committee all relate to the implementation, interpretation and application of Community Customs Code.
Accountability and transparency to Parliament is ensured by the regular EU process. EU documents which fall within the Scrutiny Terms of Reference are deposited with Parliament along with an explanatory memorandum for examination by the Scrutiny Committees.
Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line 399W with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".
As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of the committees. The first report was deposited in the libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM (2001)783 Final).
As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.