§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when the EU Co-ordination Group to promote uniformity of application of the general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas (first general system) is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive(a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement. [66456]
§ Ms HewittI have been asked to reply.
The last meeting of the EU Co-ordination Group on the General System Directives took place on 9 July 2002 and the date of the next meeting is to be confirmed, it is anticipated that it will take place before the end of the year. There are two directives under the General System—89/48 EEC (First Diploma Directive), the responsibility of DTI, and 92/51 (Second Diploma Directive), the responsibility of DfES.
The DTI Co-ordinator for Directive 89/48 EEC represents the UK at meetings of this Group. We liase with the devolved administrations on the application of the Directive. If an issue of particular relevance were to be put down for discussion at a meeting, in relation to Scottish qualifications, the UK Co-ordinator would liase with the Scottish Executive to discuss whether a Scottish official should attend. This has not been necessary to date.