§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Joint Meetings of the Management and/or Regulatory Committee in the field of agriculture-agrimonetary questions, (b) the EU Standing Forestry Committee and (c) the EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress and the implementation of the Directive on the control of volatile organic compound emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132697]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information requested is as follows:
(a) The EU Joint Meetings of the Management and/or Regulatory Committee in the field of agriculture-agrimonetary questions
The Agrimonetary Management Committee met during the Danish Presidency on 16 October 2002 and during the Greek Presidency on 9 April 2003. The agenda included aspects of agrimonetary compensation and a minor amendment to the agrimonetary regulations.
(b) The EU standing Forestry Committee
The EU standing Forestry Committee met during the Danish Presidency on 27 November and 4 December 2002 and during the Greek Presidency on 10 February, 7 April and 5 June 2003. Issues discussed included regulations to monitor pollution and prevent fires, to establish a European Forest Information and Communication Network and implementation of national programmes concerning forest protection measures.
(c) The EU Committee for the adaption to technical progress and the implementation of the Directive on the control of volatile organic compound emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations
1210WThe EU Committee for the adaption to technical progress and the implementation of the Directive on the control of volatile organic compound emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations did not meet during either the Danish or Greek Presidencies.
The devolved administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the Directive on the quality of fresh water, (b) the EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for seeds and (c) the EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for live plants and floriculture products during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132698]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information is as follows:
(a) The EU Committee for the adaption to scientific and technical progress of the Directive on the quality of fresh water
This committee has never met. The role of the Committee, if it should meet, is set out in article 12 of the Directive. It is to deliver its opinion on amendments proposed by the Commission to the G values and to the methods of analysis set out in Annexes to the Directive where amendments are necessary to adapt the Directive's provisions to technical or scientific progress. The Committee has equivalent functions in relation to Directive 79/923/EC on the quality required of Shellfish Waters.
(b) The EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for seeds
The Seeds Management Committee met jointly with the Sugar Management Committee during the Danish Presidency on 19 December 2002, and jointly with the Cereals Management Committee during the Greek Presidency on 9 January 2003, to discuss a draft Regulation setting the minimum aid rate for certain agricultural products for the Outermost Regions (Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores).
(c) The EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for live plants and floriculture products
The Management Committee for live plants and floriculture products did not meet during the Danish and Greek Presidencies.
The devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
1211WRegarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Equatorial Guinea), (b) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Estonia) and (c) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Russia) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132699]
§ Mr. BradshawThe UK does not have any fishing interest in the waters concerned and accordingly did not attend any of the meetings of the Joint Committees listed, nor does Defra keep records of these meetings.
The devolved administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Guinea Bissau), (b) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Morocco) and (c) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Gambia) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132700]
§ Mr. BradshawThe UK does not have any fishing interest in the waters concerned and accordingly did not attend any of the meetings of the Joint Committees listed, nor does Defra keep records of these meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Poland), (b) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Greenland) and (c) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Sáo Tomé) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132701]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information requested is as follows:
(a) The Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Poland)
The UK does not have any fishing interest in the waters concerned and accordingly did not attend any of the meetings of this Joint Committee, nor does Defra keep records of these meetings.
1212WThe Fisheries Joint Committee (EU-Greenland)
The Fisheries Joint Committee (EU-Greenland) did not meet during the Danish Presidency. It met during the Greek Presidency on 21 May and 18 June 2003. The discussions were about the mid-term review of the Fourth EU/Greenland Protocol.
The devolved administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings. The UK delegation to this committee was led by Defra and included a Scottish Executive official.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
(c) The Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Sao Tome)
The UK does not have any fishing interest in the waters concerned and accordingly did not attend any of the meetings of this Joint Committee, nor does Defra keep records of these meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Guinea), (b) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Cape Verde) and (c) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Lithuania) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132702]
§ Mr. BradshawThe UK does not have any fishing interest in the waters concerned and accordingly did not attend any of the meetings of the Joint Committees listed, nor does Defra keep records of these meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Latvia), (b) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Senegal) and (c) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Argentina) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132703]
§ Mr. BradshawThe UK does not have any fishing interest in the waters concerned and accordingly did not attend any of the meetings of the Joint Committees listed, nor does Defra keep records of these meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Mauritius), (b) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Côte d'Ivoire) and (c) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Seychelles) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement; [132704]
1213W(2) if she will list the dates of meetings of (a) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Comoros), (b) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Angola) and (c) the Fisheries Joint Committee (EEC-Madagascar) during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132705]
§ Mr. BradshawThe UK does not have any fishing interest in the waters concerned and accordingly did not attend any of the meetings of the Joint Committees listed, nor does Defra keep records of these meetings.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Eco-label Regulatory Committee, (b) the EU Advisory Committee on Veterinary Training and (c) the EU Management Committee of the Common Organisations of Agricultural Markets for Poultry, Meat and Eggs during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132706]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information is as follows:
(a) The Eco-label Regulatory Committee
The Eco-label Regulatory Committee met during the Danish Presidency on 25 September and 4 December 2002, and during the Greek Presidency on 4 February 2003. Issues discussed at the Committee included votes on ecolabelling criteria.
(b) The Advisory Committee on Veterinary Training
The EU Advisory Committee on Veterinary Training committee was abolished in 2000, therefore the Committee did not meet during either the Danish or the Greek Presidency.
(c) The EU Management Committee of the Common Organisations of Agricultural Markets for Poultry, Meat and Eggs
The EU Management Committee of the Common Organisations of Agricultural Markets for Poultry, Meat and Eggs met during the Danish Presidency 9 July, 18 September, 17 October, 19 November and 10 December 2002. It met during the Greek Presidency on 21 January, 18 February, 11 March, 8 April, 20 May and 17 June 2003. The agendas contained items relating to the operation of the EU egg and poultry regimes, including inter alia, export refunds, market information and regulations implementing various aspects of the EU regimes. Traditionally items relating to EU rules on honey are also discussed in this committee.
The devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
1214W
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Animal Nutrition Section of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, (b) the EU Committee on the action programme on rare diseases in the framework of the action plan for public health and (c) the EU Standing Veterinary Committee during the Danish and Greek Presidencies; what items were on each agenda for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132707]
§ Mr. Bradshaw(a) and (c) The EU Standing Veterinary Committee was replaced by two Sections of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health: Animal Health and Welfare covering animal health veterinary issues; and the Biological Control of the Food Chain, covering publich health veterinary issues. Details of these Sections and the Animal Nutrition Section, including meeting dates and minutes, can be found on the links:
Animal Nutrition
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/rc/scfcah/anim nut/index en.html
Animal Health and Welfare
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/rc/scfcah/ah aw/index en.html
Biological Control of the Food Chain
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/rc/scfcah/biological/index en.html
No representatives of the Scottish Executive were present at these meetings. Formal preparatory meetings are not normally held for Standing Committee meetings. However, prior to Standing Committee, comments and advice are sought from colleagues (including the Scottish Executive) and interested parties to help formulate the United Kingdom's position.
(b) The EU Committee on the action programme on rare diseases, in the framework of the action plan for public health, did not meet during the Danish or Greek Presidencies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for milk and milk products, (b) the EU Committee on organic production of agricultural products and (c) the EU Committee for the adaptation to technical and scientific progress of the Directive on conservation of wild birds during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda for each meeting; what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement.[132708]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information is as follows:
(a) The Management Committee of the common organisation of agricultural markets for milk and milk products
The Management Committee for milk and milk products met during the Danish Presidency on 11 and 25 July, 29 August, 12 and 26 September, 10 and 24 October, 14 and 28 November and 12 December 1215W 2002. During the Greek Presidency it met on 16 and 30 January, 13 and 27 February, 13 and 27 March, 10 and 24 April, 15 and 28 May, and 12 and 26 June 2003. Issues discussed at the Committee included matters related to prices, aid and marketing of milk and milk products.
(b) The EU Committee on organic production of agricultural products
The Standing Committee on Organic Farming and its associated working groups met during the Danish Presidency on 8–10 July, 5 and 30 September, 1, 7 to 9 and 15 October, 13 November and 4 to 6 and 12 December 2002. During the Greek Presidency it met on 21, 22, 27 and 28 January; 4 to 6 and 27 February; 14 and 26 March; 1, 2 to 3 and 29 April; 14 and 21 to 23 May and 12 and 13 June 2003. Issues discussed included inspection arrangements for feed for organic livestock, seeds for use in organic farming, additives permitted in organic food, imports to the EU from third countries, the use of conventional ingredients in feed for organic livestock, conversion of livestock for organic production and the proposed EU Organic Action Plan.
(c) The EU Committee for the adaptation to technical and scientific progress of the Directive on conservation of wild birds
The ORNIS Committee (the Committee for the adaptation to technical and scientific progress of the Directive on conservation of wild birds) did not meet during the Danish Presidency. It met once during the Greek Presidency on 26 June 2003. The agenda included EU enlargement preparations concerning the Birds Directive, the Commission's Sustainable Hunting Initiative, the state of progress for the classification of new Special Protection Areas, progress on new monitoring and reporting initiatives for nature directives (including development of bird indicators) and reports under Articles 9 and 12 of the Birds Directive.
The devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Committee for the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade, (b) the EU Scientific Review Group for the protection of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade, (c) EU Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund Committee and (d) working party on irregularities during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement.[132709]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information requested is as follows:
1216W(a)The EU Committee for the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade
The EC CITES Committee (The Committee on Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora) met during the Danish Presidency on 19 December 2002 and during the Greek Presidency on 13 March 2003. Issues discussed at the Committee included applications for permits and licences for trade, and other matters relating to the use and trade of wild animals and plants.
(b)The EU Scientific Review Group for protection of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade
The Scientific Review Group (SRG) met during the Danish Presidency on 5 September 2002 and during the Greek Presidency on 30 January 2003 and 22 May 2003. Issues discussed included reports on Ecological matters.
(c) The EU Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund Committee
The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund Committee met during the Danish Presidency on 18 July, 20 September, 7 October, 22 October, 8 November, 19 November and 17 December. During the Greek Presidency it met on 22 January, 20 February, 20 March, 22 April, 16 May, 21March and 18 June. Issues discussed included the payment of monthly advances from the Fund, decisions on the clearance of CAP accounts, the exclusion from Community financing of certain expenditure as a result of disallowance decisions, and other matters relating to the control of CAP expenditure.
(d) The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund working party on irregularities
The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund working party on irregularities did not meet during the Danish Presidency and met during the Greek Presidency on 11 March 2003. Issues discussed included the formation of a temporary task force to audit outstanding cases of financial irregularity and recovery, difficulties experienced, and presentations on technical items.
The devolved administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for products processed from fruit and vegetables and (b) the EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for hops during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda for each meeting; what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement.[132710]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information is as follows:
(a) The EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for products processed from fruit and vegetables
1217WThe Processed Fruit and Vegetables Management Committee met during the Danish Presidency on 16 July, 17 September, 15 October, 12 November and 10 December. During the Greek Presidency it met on 10 January, 11 and 19 February, 12 March, 8 and 29 April, 6 and 14 May, and 13, 23 and 24 June 2003. Issues discussed at the Committee included the setting of export refunds and aid for products grown for processing.
(b) The EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for hops
The EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for hops did not meet during the Danish or Greek Presidencies.
The devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Advisory Committee for the implementation of the directive on the reduction of the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels, (b) the EU Committee on zootechnics and (c) the EU Committee for the Adaptation to Technical and Scientific Progress and Implementation of the Directive on the Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132711]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information requested is as follows:
(a) The EU Advisory Committee for the implementation of the directive on the reduction of the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels.
The EU Advisory Committee on the Sulphur Content in Liquid Fuels Directive met once during the Danish Presidency on 10 December 2002. The only item on the agenda was a discussion on a derogation for Greece, allowing the use of heavy fuel oil with a sulphur content of 3 per cent. by mass in part of its territory from 1 January 2003. The Committee did not meet during the Greek Presidency.
(b) The EU Committee on zootechnics
The Standing Committee on Zootechnics met during the Danish Presidency on 5 November 2002 and during the Greek Presidency on 8 April 2003. Issues discussed included proposed amendments to community rules on equidae, bovines and sheep.
(c) The EU Committee for the Adaption to Technical and Scientific Progress and Implementation of the Directive on the Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms.
The EU Committee on the Deliberate Release into the Environment of Genetically Modified Organisms did not meet during either the Danish or the Greek Presidencies.
1218WThe devolved administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Management Committees of the common organisations of agricultural markets for dehydrated fodder, (b) the EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for oils and fats and (c) the EU Standing Committee on Agricultural Research during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda for each meeting; what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132712]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information is as follows:
(a) The EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for dehydrated fodder
The EU Management Committee for dehydrated fodder did not meet during the Danish Presidency. It met during the Greek Presidency on 20 June 2003. The main purpose of this meeting was to set the final rate of aid for the previous marketing year.
(b) The EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for oils and fats
The EU Management Committee for oils and fats met during the Danish Presidency on 5 July, 11 and 24 September, 16 October, 20 November and 11 December 2002. It met during the Greek Presidency on 22 January, 12 February, 19 March, 9 April, 19 May and 11 June. Issues discussed included the market situation, export refunds, amendments to the provisions on marketing standards and the work programmes of operators' organisations.
(c) The EU Standing Committee on Agricultural Research
The Standing Committee on Agricultural Research did not meet during either the Danish or Greek Presidencies.
The devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Joint Meetings of Management and/or Regulatory Committees in the field of agriculture-trade mechanisms, (b) the EU Management Committees of the common organisations of agricultural markets for fresh fruit and vegetables and (c) the EU Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress and implementation of the directive on waste during the Danish and Greek 1219W presidencies; what items were on each agenda for each meeting; what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132713]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information is as follows:
(a) The EU Joint Meetings of Management and/or Regulatory Committees in the field of agriculture-trade mechanisms
Meetings of the DG Agri Trade Mechanisms Management Committee usually take place every month except August. The last meeting took place on 11 November 2003. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 December. Issues discussed at the Committee included accessionary arrangements for new member states of the European Union; and amendments to export refunds, licensing, supply arrangements and animal welfare regulations.
(b) The EU Management Committees of the common organisations of agricultural markets for fresh fruit and vegetables
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Management Committee met during the Danish presidency on 16 July, 17 September, 15 October, 12 November and 10 December. During the Greek presidency it met on 10 January, 11 and 19 February, 12 March, 8 and 29 April, 6 and 14 May, and 13, 23 and 24 June 2003. Issues discussed included the setting of export refunds and arrangements for assisting Producer Organisations.
(c) The EU Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress and implementation of the directive on waste
The EU Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress and implementation of the directive on waste met during the Danish presidency on 25 July 2002 and during the Greek Presidency on 15 January and 7 May 2003. Issues discussed included the directives on Landfill, End-of-life Vehicles and Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
The devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Committee on the implementation of the Directive establishing a Community policy regarding water, (b) the EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for natural fibres and (c) the EU management committees of the common organisations of agricultural markets for cereals during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda for each meeting; what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132715]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information is as follows:
1220W(a)The EU Committee on the implementation of the Directive establishing a Community policy regarding water
The EU Committee on the implementation of the Directive establishing a Community policy regarding water did not meet during the Danish presidency. During the Greek presidency, it met on 6 May 2003. Issued discussed at the Committee included work priorities for 2003 and 2004, and implementation of Directive 2000/60/EC.
(b) The EU Management Committee of the common organisations of agricultural markets for natural fibres
The Management Committee for Natural Fibres met during the Danish presidency on 25 July, 1 August, 4 September and 13 and 29 November 2002, and during the Greek presidency on 18 March and 28 May 2003. Issues discussed included harvest and market reports for cotton, flax, hemp and silk; estimating cotton production to calculate provisional reductions of the guide price; revising cotton production estimates; fixing actual cotton production; apportioning a National Guaranteed Quantity of 5,000 tonnes of short fibre between five minor producing countries; and contributing to the design of a fibre industry questionnaire.
(c) The EU Management committees of the common organisations of agricultural markets for cereals
The Cereals Management Committee normally meets on a weekly basis. The dates of meetings during the Danish and Greek presidencies and the items on each agenda can be viewed at the following internet address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/minco/manco/ cereals/index.htm#top
The devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates of meetings of(a) the EU Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the Directive on bathing water, (b) the EU Management Committee for Fisheries Products and (c) the EU Management Committee for the fisheries and aquaculture sector during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132717]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information requested is as follows:
(a) The EU Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the Directive on bathing water
The EU Committee for the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of the Directive on bathing water did not meet during either the Danish Presidency or the Greek Presidency.
(b) The EU Management Committee for Fisheries Products
1221WThe Management Committee for Fishery Products met during the Danish Presidency on 4 July, 4 October and 3 December 2002, and during the Greek Presidency on 27 January (Expert Group), 7 March, 17 March, 14 May (Expert Group) and 18 June 2003. The main items discussed were autonomous tariff quotas for 2003, transnational producer organisations and the European Union/Peru WTO sardine labelling dispute.
(c) The EU Management Committee for the fisheries and aquaculture sector
The Management Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture met during the Danish Presidency on 23 July, 2 October and 5 November 2002 and during the Greek Presidency on 27 February, 19 March, 10 April, 14 May and 26 June 2003. The main items discussed were data collection, future fleet policy and the Multi-Annual Guidance Programme (MAGPIV) results.
The devolved administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when(a) the EU Committee on Geographical Indications and Protected Designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs, (b) the EU Committee on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs, (c) the EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of the directive on procedures for the surveillance and monitoring of environments concerned by waste from the titanium dioxide industry and (d) the EU Advisory Committee on Community policy regarding forestry and forest-based industries met during the Danish and Greek presidencies; what items were on each agenda; for each meeting, what representative of the Scottish Executive was present; what preparatory meetings were held for each meeting, including the officials present; and if she will make a statement. [132718]
§ Mr. BradshawThe information is as follows:
(a) The EU Committee on Geographical Indications and Protected Designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs
The EU Committee on Geographical Indications and Protected Designations of Origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs met during the Danish presidency on 22 July 2002 and during the Greek presidency on 5 February and 4 June 2003. Issued discussed at the Committee included olive oil production, the TRIPS agreement, and recent ECJ judgments.
(b) The EU Committee on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs
The Regulatory Committee for Certificates of Specific Character for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs met during the Danish presidency on 22 July 2002. The item on the agenda was a draft Commission Regulation amending the existing Commission Regulation 1848/93 on Certificates of Specific Character. The Committee did not meet during the Greek presidency.
1222W(c) The EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of the directive on procedures for the surveillance and monitoring of environments concerned by waste from the titanium dioxide industry
The EU Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of the directive on procedures for the surveillance and monitoring of environments concerned by waste from the titanium dioxide industry did not meet during either the Danish or the Greek presidency.
(d) The EU Advisory Committee on Community policy regarding forestry and forest-based industries
The Advisory Committee on Forestry and Forest-Based Industries did not meet during the Danish presidency. During the Greek presidency it met on 25 February 2003. Issues discussed included implementation of the EU Forestry Strategy and Habitats Directive, the sustainable use of resources and the status of a proposal for a regulation concerning the monitoring of forests.
The devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Executive, are kept fully informed of the work of all Committees and their views are fully reflected at Committee meetings.
Regarding any preparatory meetings, Exemption 2 to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.