§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the dates of meetings of the(a) EU Committee for the implementation of the multiannual community programme to stimulate the establishment of the information society in Europe and (b) EU Advisory Committee on the development and reconversion of regions during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; which representative of the Scottish Executive was present on each occasion; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting; which officials were present at each preparatory meeting; and if she will make a statement. [132762]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
978W(a) There were no meetings of this Committee during the Danish and Greek presidencies. The programme was discussed at the Information Society working group during co-decision negotiations with the European Parliament.
(b) The Committee for the Development and Conversion of Regions (CDCR) is chaired by DG REGIO the Directorate General for the Regions, and meets 10 times a year. All of its activities are a matter of record and are available on DG REGIO's "circa" website: http://forum.europa.eu.int
The Committee discusses matters relating to the implementation of structural funds in the EU. Much of its work during the Danish presidency was concentrated on the simplification, clarification, coordination and flexibility of the structural policies. During the Greek presidency, the CDCR discussed a wide range of issues, including the Commission's revised indicative guidelines on the structural funds and their coordination with the Cohesion Fund.
The CDCR has met four times since the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Buckingham on 13 May 2003, Official Report, columns 169–70W. Its structure and remit are unchanged.
There was no representative from the Scottish Executive at these meetings. The UK is represented by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry who represent all of the UK.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under "Exemption 2: internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", the Government do not release details of such meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the dates of meetings of the(a) EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of directives on the removal of technical barriers to trade in the sector of protective equipment and systems for use in explosive atmospheres and (b) EU Committee on implementation of the multiannual programme for enterprise and entrepreneurship, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; which representative of the Scottish Executive was present on each occasion; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting; which officials were present at each preparatory meeting; and if she will make a statement. [132763]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
(a) I believe that the hon. Member is referring to the Standing Committee set up in Article 6 of Council Directive 94/9/EC Of 23 March 1994 on the approximation of laws of the member states concerning Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (the "ATEX" Directive).
The meeting scheduled for 11 December, during the Danish presidency was postponed until 6 and 7 February 2003, during the Greek Presidency. Agenda items for the February meeting were categorised under; questions of scope; questions of conformity assessment; questions of transition (1.7.2003); questions on the ATEX guidelines; 979W reports from CEN standardisation committees; cooperation between EU notified bodies; progress in candidate countries concerning the implementation of the ATEX Directive, and, report from DG Enterprise concerning the ATEX "Workplace" Directive 1999/ 192/EC.
The next meeting of the Standing Committee is scheduled for 4 December 2003. The UK is represented by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who represent all of the UK.
(b) The Enterprise Programme Management Committee met in Brussels on 17 October 2002 and on 13 March 2003. The main business of the former meeting was to discuss and approve multi-annual programme (MAP) activity for 2003, amendments to approved MAP activity for 2002 and proposals to take forward particular projects. The main purpose of the latter meeting was to consider the report on MAP implementation during 2002, amendments to the approved 2002 and 2003 activities and an evaluation of the 2001–05 MAP.
UK officials consult widely and ensure that the views of the devolved administrations, including the Scottish Executive are fully reflected at committee meetings.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under Exemption2: Internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, the Government does not release details of such meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the dates of meetings of the(a) EU Committee for the implementation of the multiannual community action plan on promoting the safe use of the internet and (b) EU committee for management of generalised preferences during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; which representative of the Scottish Executive was present on each occasion; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting; which officials were present at each preparatory meeting; and if she will make a statement. [132764]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
(a) The Common Commercial Policy is not devolved to the Scottish Executive. The GSP is part of the EU's Common Commercial Policy on which the Community have competence.
The Committee met on 7 November 2002 and agenda items included the Implementation of Article 12 of Regulation No. 2501/2001, with respect to graduation, the request of Ukraine for the special incentive arrangements for the protection of labour rights, Information on other requests for the special incentive arrangements and information on judgment concerning case T?113/00 (DuPont Teijin Films Luxembourg SA; Mitsubishi Polyester Film GmbH; Toray Plastics Europe SA v. Commission).
On 29 November 2002 and 13 December 2002, the Committee discussed the implementation of Article 12 of Regulation No. 2501/2001, with respect to graduation.
980WOn 25 March 2003, items discussed included a request according to Articles 26 to 28 of the Regulation No. 2501/2001 concerning Belarus, request of Sri Lanka for the special incentive arrangements for the protection of labour rights (for exchange of views), information on other requests for the special incentive arrangements and information on India's complaint in WTO.
The GSP Working Party met on 6 November 2002 and on 5 March 2003 to discuss the SPG Regulation, on 27 February 2003 to discuss the application of a generalised tariff preference schemes from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2004.
(b) The IAPPC (Safer Internet Action Plan Committee) met on 28 October 2002 and 16 May 2003. The October 2002 agenda included: progress on the implementation of projects selected in 2002, report on activities of hotlines co-funded by the Action Plan, procedure for selecting contractor for final evaluation of programme, update on recent events (Racism Workshop, Police and hotlines workshop, extension of IAPCODE contract, discussions with candidate countries), proposal for a two-year extension of the programme, discussion paper on eSafe Work Programme 2003–04 and recent developments from member states. The May 2003 agenda included: the adoption of the Council Decision for the extension of the Work Programme to year 2003–04, a final evaluation of the programme, the criteria and content of the call for proposals, rules of procedure and national events, progress and particular issues related to illegal and/or harmful content on the internet. The Commission also organised a consultation day for committee members and the public on 12 September 2003 on the forthcoming programme (2005–08).
UK officials consult widely and ensure that the views of the Devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under "Exemption 2: internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", the Government do not release details of such meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the dates of meetings of the(a) EU Committee for the harmonisation of national legislation relating to recreational craft, (b) EU Standing Committee on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to machinery and (c) EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of directives on the removal of technical barriers to trade in the sector of cosmetics during the Danish and Greek Presidencies; what items were on each agenda; which representative of the Scottish Executive was present on each occasion; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting; which officials were present at each preparatory meeting; and if she will make a statement. [132765]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
(a) I believe that the hon. Member is referring to the Standing Committee set up under Article 6 of Directive 94/25/EC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of member states relating to recreational craft. The last meeting was held on 27 January 2003 in Brussels. The items on the Agenda 981W included a discussion concerning the updated rules of procedure of the Standing Committee; an update on the guide to the application of the Directive; a review of the Recreational Craft Sectoral Group's recommendation for use sheets; an exchange of views on administrative co-operation between member states and a discussion. There was no representative of the Scottish Executive at this meeting; the UK is represented by two officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) who represent all of the UK.
(b) The Standing Committee set up under Article 6.2 of Directive 98/37/EC on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to machinery has met twice during the period of the Danish and Greek Presidencies.
On 28 March, the agenda items discussed were: co-ordination of notified bodies; progress on standardisation; electric hoists on lift car tops; safety belts on industrial trucks; standards on portable handheld machines; tipping equipment for fitting to road lorries; and mobile transport platforms.
On October 23 and 24, the agenda items discussed were: mobile transport platforms; press brakes; annex ZA of harmonised standards, co-ordination of notified bodies; duration of type examination certificates; recommendations for use; progress on standardization; machines that use gas as fuel; Pr EN 13683 (garden equipment); Karting; prototypes; translation issues; EN 14122–4 (fixed ladders); climbing frames; automatic dough dividers; steam boilers; agricultural spray equipment; and, visibility from vehicles.
There was no representative from the Scottish Executive at these meetings. The UK is represented by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry who represent all of the UK. They are supported by a technical expert from the Health and Safety Executive
(c) The Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress (CATP) of Directive 76/768 on Cosmetic Products met twice during the Danish Presidency (on 22 July and 30 September 2002) and twice during the Greek Presidency (on 4 February and 29 April 2003). Under the Danish Presidency, discussions took place on the draft 27th and 28th Amendments to the Cosmetic Directive and these amendments were also adopted in this period. During the Greek Presidency, the 29th and 30th Amendments to the Cosmetics Directive were considered and adopted. The amendments all involved technical amendments (relating to substances allowed/ restricted for use in cosmetics) to the annexes that form part of the Cosmetics Directive.
There was no representative from the Scottish Executive at these meetings. The UK is represented by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry who represent all of the UK. When technical amendments to the Cosmetics Directive are proposed, which usually relate to toxicological issues, the views of Department of Health and chemical advisers are sought.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under "Exemption 2: internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", the Government do not release details of such meetings.
982W
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the dates of meetings of the(a) EU Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions, (b) EU Advisory Committee on concentrations between undertakings and (c) EU Committee for implementation of the action programme to tackle discrimination during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; which representative of the Scottish Executive was present on each occasion; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting; which officials were present at each preparatory meeting; and if she will make a statement. [132766]
§ Ms HewittCompetition is a reserved matter under the Scotland Act.
(a) The Advisory Committee on Restrictive Practices and Dominant Positions is the body through which the European Commission carries out its duty to consult member states on decisions and amendments to EC competition law that it proposes to adopt. Office of Fair Trading officials represent the UK at these meetings, but may be accompanied by officials from Government Departments and other regulators where they have a particular interest.
The Committee met in October, November and December 2002 and in March and May 2003, and discussed a number of anti-trust cases including those involving video games, auction houses, reinforcing steel bars, speciality graphites, beef and veal, food flavour enhancers, network sharing agreements for mobile phones and high-speed internet services.
(b) The Advisory Committee on concentrations between undertakings meets to discuss all cases subject to detailed examination under the EC Merger Regulation and the Office of Fair Trading represents the United Kingdom with Ministers playing no role.
The Committee also meets to discuss draft Commission guidance associated with EC Merger Regulation and broader policy issues raised by the European merger regime. The Committee met three times in July 2002; twice in October 2002; once in November 2002, December 2002 and March 2003; twice in April 2003; and once in June 2003.
(c) In the relevant period there has been one meeting of the Committee for the Community Action programme to combat discrimination, on 6 December 2002. Among the items discussed were the draft Work Programme 2003, the Presentation of 2003 disability specific initiatives (European Year of People with Disabilities), Part financing the Platform of European Social NGOs- Awareness raising measures, the Results of Eurobarometer survey on the perceptions of discrimination, and the Evaluation of the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.
When appropriate UK officials consult widely and ensure that the views of the devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under Exemption2: Internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, the Government do not release details of such meetings.
983W
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the dates of meetings of the(a) EU Accounting Directives Contact Committee, (b) EU Advisory Committee on opening up public contracts and (c) EU Committee on the directives on names and labelling of textile products during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; which representative of the Scottish Executive was present on each occasion; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting; which officials were present at each preparatory meeting; and if she will make a statement. [132767]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
(a) The last three meetings of the EU Accounting Directives Contact Committee took place on 12–13 December 2001,14 October 2002 and 27 March 2003. The Contact Committee discussed the Accounting Directives, including the Modernisation of the Accounting Directives, the Fair Value Directive and the interaction of national law and the European Regulation on International Accounting Standards.
(b) During the Danish presidency there was a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Public Procurement in Brussels on 9 December 2002.
The (substantive) items on the agenda were: the adoption of new rules of procedure, recent case law, public private partnerships, local public services, statistics and the related subject of indicators, forthcoming negotiations on coverage under the WTO GPA review and the establishment of a Working Group on e-procurement.
During the Greek presidency there were two meetings of the Advisory Committee on Public Procurement in Brussels on 11 March and 18 June 2003.
On 11 March the (substantive) agenda items were: public private partnerships, exchange of views on the review of the remedies directives, recent case law, presentation of and discussion of SOLVIT and the Public Procurement Network (PPN), qualification of construction firms, statistics and indicators, WTO procurement developments, the Community Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) and standard forms.
On 18 June the (substantive) agenda items were: information on the Internal Market Strategy, discussion on the replies to a questionnaire on the review of the remedies directives, progress on the legislative package, information on the PPN, presentation and discussion of an ongoing Commission study on SME access to public procurement contracts, public procurement in the field of defence, WTO procurement developments, proposal for a CPV amending regulation, standard forms and statistics.
(c) No meeting of the EU Committee on Directives relating to Textile Names and labelling took place during the Danish and Greek presidencies.
There was no representative from the Scottish Executive at these meetings. The UK is represented by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry who represent all of the UK.
984WWith regard to preparatory meetings, under "Exemption 2: Internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", the Government do not release details of such meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the(a) EU Committee for the harmonisation of credit insurance provisions for transactions with medium and long-term cover, (b) EU Advisory Committee on standardisation in the field of information technology, (c) EU Committee on general authorisations and individual licences in the field of telecommunications services and (d) the EU Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions in the transport industry met during the Danish and Greek presidencies; and if she will make a statement. [132768]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
(a) There were no meetings of the EU Committee for the harmonisation of credit insurance provisions for transactions with medium and long terms cover in 2002–03, during the period corresponding to the Danish and Greek presidencies of the council.
This Committee would only be involved in the case of an unresolved disagreement as to the status of a debtor.
There were no such disagreements in 2002–03 so the committee was not convened.
(b) I believe that the hon. Member is referring to the Senior Officials Group on Information Technology Standardisation, which has not met since 1999.
(c) The EU Committee on general authorisations and individual licences in the field of telecommunications services (Licensing Committee) did not meet during the period in question. Its work was taken over in October 2002 by the Communications Committee (COCOM), which met seven times during the period in question. Agenda items included progress towards implementation of the new regulatory package; measures to encourage new market entrants, to promote the deployment of broadband and to discourage unsolicited commercial e-mail; adoption of common technical standards; the appointment of a registry to run the new "EU" top level domain internet address.
(d) The Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions in the transport industry is the body through which the European Commission carries out its duty to consult member states on decisions and amendments to EC competition law in the field of transport which it proposes to adopt. The Committee met once in Brussels in the period in question: in September 2002, it discussed a revision to the Trans-Atlantic Conference Agreement on liner shipping conferences.
When appropriate UK officials consult widely and ensure that the views of the devolved administrations, including the Scottish Parliament are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under "Exemption 2: Internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", the Government does not release details of such meetings.
985W
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the(a) EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of directives on the removal of technical barriers to trade in the sector of electric materials used in an explosive atmosphere, (b) EU Committee on the directives on names and labelling of textile products, (c) EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of directives on the removal of technical barriers to trade in the sector of measuring instruments and methods of metrological control, (d) EU Advisory Committee on telecommunications procurement and (e) EU Committee on the implementation of open network provision met during the Danish and Greek presidencies; and if she will make a statement. [132770]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
(a) I believe that the hon. Member is referring to Committees set up under "Old Approach" Directives 79/196/EEC, and 82/130/EEC.Adaptation to technical progress could only be made to these directives by amending directives incorporating updated harmonised standards. Directives 94/26/EC and 97/53/EC amended Directive 79/196/EEC and Directive 98/9/EC amended Directive 82/130 EEC.
All these Directives were repealed on 30 June 2003 and superseded by "New Approach" Directive, 94/9/EC on the approximation of laws of the member states concerning Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres, (ATEX). This Directive is concerned with a wider range of ignition risks arising from electrical and mechanical equipment and dusts. It is my belief that there have been no meetings in respect of adapting to technical progress directives, since 1998.
(b) No meeting of the EU Committee on Directives relating to Textile Names and labelling took place during the Danish and Greek presidencies.
(c) No such EU Committee is currently active (which was also the position during both the Danish and Greek presidencies).
(d) This Committee did not meet under the Danish or Greek presidencies.
(e) The EU Committee on the implementation of open network provision (ONP) met once during the period in question, on 10 July 2002. Its work was taken over in October 2002 by the Communications Committee (COCOM), which met seven times during the period in question. Agenda items included progress towards implementation of the new regulatory package; measures to encourage new market entrants, to promote the deployment of broadband and to discourage unsolicited commercial e-mail; adoption of common technical standards; the appointment of a registry to run the new ".eu" top level domain Internet address.
UK officials consult widely and ensure that the views of the devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under "Exemption 2: Internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", the Government do not release details of such meetings
986W
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Committee on the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration on promotion of innovation and participation of SMEs and (b) the EU Coordination Group to promote uniformity of application of the general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas (first general system) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; which representative of the Scottish Executive was present on each occasion; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting; which officials were present at each preparatory meeting; and if she will make a statement. [132797]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
(a) With the advent of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), which was launched in December 2002, the committee system was restructured to reflect the format of the new programme. Innovation issues are now considered by the Research and Innovation committee and SME issues are covered by the horizontal committees on structuring the European Research Area and integrating and strengthening the European Research Area.
The FP5 Innovation & SMEs committee met on two occasions during the Danish Presidency, on 10 July and 17 October 2002.
During these meetings, the opinion of the committee was sought on the first batch of innovation projects accepted for funding and on the second batch of proposals for supporting the setting up and development of innovative firms. There was also discussion on a range of other issues including:
tender for the CORDIS database contract and the future of the service;
the results of an analysis of Technology Transfer and Validation projects under Framework Programmes four;
the Innovation Trend chart;
2001 Innovation and SME Monitoring report; and
the contracts for two Innovation Relay Centres.
The FP6 Research and Innovation Committee met on three occasions during the Danish Presidency: on 29 October, 19 November and 4 December 2002.
During these meetings, there was discussion on:
introduction to the Work Programmes of the Specific Programme 'Structuring the European Research Area';
common criteria for evaluating proposals and common rules of procedure for the sub-programme committees; and
the draft Work Programme for the Research and Innovation sub-programme.
There were no meetings of this committee under the Greek Presidency. Each member state is permitted to send no more than one delegate to the committee. However, UK officials consult widely to ensure that the views of the Devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are fully reflected at committee meetings.
The horizontal committees on structuring the European Research Area and integrating and strengthening the European Research Area met on three 987W occasions during the Greek Presidency: on 4 March, 21 May and 9 July 2003. These covered the following SME issues:
information on the first call for collective research proposals;
information on SME participation in first calls of thematic priorities;
information on the results of the first deadline for co-operative research; and
information and discussion on the planning of co-operative research calls in 2004.
The European Commission's meetings of the SME and Innovation Programme Committee were attended by DTI officials. The agendas and minutes of these meetings are circulated to the Devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, and any views expressed by them are reflected at committee meetings.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under Exemption2: internal discussion and advice, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, the Government do not release details of such meetings.
(b) This Committee falls within the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Telematics between Administrations Committee (TAC), (b) the EU 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) and (c) the EU Advisory Committee on State Aid on the arrangements for applying Article 93 of the EC Treaty (procedure) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; what representative of the Scottish Executive was present on each occasion; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting; which officials were present at each preparatory meeting; and if she will make a statement. [132822]
§ Ms HewittThe information is as follows:
(a) There were three TAC meetings under the Danish presidency. Agenda items included included discussion on the IDA 2002 Work Programme; the future of IDA and eEurope; and IDA II mid-term evaluation, and the IDA Work Programmes for 2002 and 2003.
There were five TAC meetings under the Greek presidency. Agenda items included the strategy for implementing the portal of the EU administration, the IDA Work Programme and eEurope, the 2003 IDA Work Programme, a Communication on Interoperability and Global Implementation Plans and Preparatory Reports for a number of projects.
(b) The EU Advisory Committee on State Aid for the application of Article 92 and 93 of the EC Treaty to certain categories of horizontal State Aid (exemption) met once during the Danish and Greek presidencies. The meeting was held on 24 July 2002 and the sole item on the agenda was discussion of Commission proposals for a Block Exemption for State aid for employment.
988WThe EU Advisory Committee on State Aid on the arrangements for applying Article 93 of the EC Treaty (procedure) met twice during the Danish and Greek presidencies. The meetings were held on 17 December 2002 when the sole item on the agenda was discussion of informal Commission proposals on reform of State aid procedures and on 18 December 2002 when the sole item on the agenda was discussion of Commission proposals on Services of General Economic Interest.
The Department consults widely on the topics for discussion at these meetings and the views of the devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
With regard to preparatory meetings, under "Exemption 2: Internal advice and discussion, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", the Government do not release details of such meetings.