§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
With regard to the European Council (Heads of Government) and ministerial meetings of the European Council respectively, how many persons may accompany each Minister or Head of Government into the room or chamber where such meetings take place; and when and by whom any such rules were approved. [HL1063]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)In the case of the European Council, its Conclusions at Seville (June 2002, Annex 1, paragraph 11) state that not over 20 persons are allowed in each member state delegation (excluding technical personnel assigned to specific security or logistical support tasks).
No maximum number has been formally set for delegations at the Council of Ministers. At present, the number of delegates is a function of the size of the meeting room and the nature of the discussion.