HC Deb 22 March 2004 vol 419 cc553-5W
Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many informal meetings of the European Council of Ministers took place(a) between 1 July and 31 December 2003 and (b) since 1 January; when these meetings took place; what topics were discussed at these meetings; what informal meetings are planned until 30 June; and if he will make a statement; [159337]

(2) how many informal meetings of the European Council of Ministers took place (a) between 1 January and 30 June 2002, (b) 1 July 2002 and 3l December 2002, (c) 1 January and 30 June 2003 and (d) 1 July and 31 December 2003; when these meetings took place; what issues were discussed at each of these meetings; which members of the Scottish Executive were present at each meeting; and if he will make a statement. [159338]

Mr. MacShane

Recent Presidencies have defined informal ministerial meetings differently in their official Presidency websites. The following list sets out those informal ministerial meetings which met to transact substantive business.

The Spanish Presidency between 1 January and 30 June 2002 held 10 informal ministerial meetings, on the following dates and covering the following topics:

  • 25–26 January on Employment;
  • 9–10 February on Foreign Affairs (Gymnich Informal Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs);
  • 14–15 February on Justice and Home Affairs;
  • 22–23 February on Telecoms and the Information Society;
  • 23–24 March on Defence;
  • 13–14 April on Finance (ECOFIN);
  • 27–30 April on Agriculture and Fisheries;
  • 3–4 May on Tourism;
  • 24–26 May on Environment issues;
  • 31 May to 1 June on Transport.

The Danish Presidency between 1 July and 31 December 2002 held eight informal ministerial meetings on the following dates and covering the following topics:

  • 12–13 July on Employment and Social Policy;
  • 19–21 July on Environment issues;
  • 1 September on Foreign Affairs (Gymnich Informal Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs);
  • 6–8 September on Finance (informal ECOFIN);
  • 8–10 September on Agriculture and Fisheries;
  • 12–13 September on Justice and Home Affairs;
  • 4–5 October on Defence;
  • 18–19 October on the Internal Market. Consumer Affairs and Industry.

The Greek Presidency between 1 January and 30 June 2003 held 13 informal ministerial meetings, on the following dates and covering the following topics:

  • 24 January on Employment;
  • 22 February on Energy;
  • 1–2 March on Education;
  • 14–15 March on Defence;
  • 28–29 March on Justice and Home Affairs;
  • 4–6 April on Finance (informal ECOFIN Council);
  • 2–4 May on Environment;
  • 12–13 May on Agriculture and Fisheries;
  • 16–17 May on Regional Policy;
  • 16–18 May on Transport and Merchant Marine;
  • 24 May on Culture;
  • 6 June on Public Administration;
  • 12–13 June on Development Co-operation.

The Italian Presidency between 1 July and 31 December 2003 held 18 informal ministerial meetings on the following topics:

  • 4–5 July on Transport and Infrastructure;
  • 6 July on Trade;
  • 10–12 July on Employment and Social Policies;
  • 11–12 July on Competitiveness;
  • 18–20 July on Environment and Energy;
  • 3–5 September on Telecommunications;
  • 5–6 September on General Affairs and External Relations;
  • 5–6 September on Health;
  • 12–13 September on Justice and Home Affairs;
  • 12–13 September on Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN);
  • 20–23 September on Agriculture;
  • 1–2 October on Culture;
  • 3–4 October on Defence;
  • 20 October on Regional Policy;
  • 24 October on Development Co-operation;
  • 21 November on Consumer Policies;
  • 1 December on Civil Service;
  • 2 December on Trade.

The Irish Presidency up to 8 March 2004 has held two informal ministerial meetings, on the following dates and covering the following topics:

  • 16–17 January on Employment and Social Policy;
  • 22–23 January on Justice and Home Affairs.
  • 13–14 April on Finance (ECOFIN);
  • 27–30 April on Agriculture and Fisheries;
  • 3–4 May on Tourism;
  • 24–26 May on Environment issues;
  • 31 May to 1 June on Transport.

The Irish Presidency intends to hold five further informal ministerial meetings, on the following dates and covering the following topics:

  • 2–3 April on Economics and Finance (ECOFIN);
  • 5–6 April on Defence:
  • 16–17 April on Foreign Affairs (Gymnich);
  • 9–10 May on Agriculture;
  • 14–15 May on Environment.

The Scottish First Minister, right hon. Jack McConnell, attended the Informal Council on Regional Policy on 20 October 2003. Ministers from each Devolved Administration attend formal Councils of particular interest to that Devolved Administration.

I have written to the hon. Member on this issue and have placed a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.