§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the EU Committee for the implementation of the Community action programme on pollution-related diseases in the framework of the action plan for public health is next due to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive(a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [70603]
§ Ms BlearsThe European Commission has not yet notified members of the European Union Committee for the implementation of the Community action programme on pollution-related diseases of the date of the next meeting.
It is the role of Departmental officials to represent the whole of the United Kingdom at this committee. In framing of all EU policy, the Department consults fully with all the devolved authorities, including the Scottish Executive, to ensure that such representation reflects all parts of the UK.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the EU Committee for the implementation of the Community action plan to combat cancer is next clue to meet; whether representatives of the Scottish Executive(a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if he will make a statement. [70566]
§ Ms BlearsThe extended Europe against cancer (EAC) programme will come to an end on 31 December 2002. The programme has a management committee made up of representatives from each Member State and it is for the United Kingdom to decide on who to delegate to represent the UK. The Scottish Executive are regularly362W consulted on, and is involved in discussions, at official and Ministerial level, with the Department on the formulation of European Union policy which touch on matters which fall within its the responsibilities. Following the successful outcome of the recent conciliation exercise, a new EU public health action programme will start in 2003.