Written question asked by Sue Doughty (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 April 2005. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 April 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has concluded his discussions with ministerial colleagues on the provision of written ministerial statements prior to and following all Council of Ministers' meetings to provide details of the meeting's agenda and its outcomes; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has concluded his discussions with ministerial colleagues on the provision of written ministerial statements prior to and following all Council of Ministers' meetings to provide details of the meeting's agenda and its outcomes; and if he will make a statement. [224109] Mr. MacShane: After consultation with ministerial colleagues, I made proposals to provide written ministerial statements prior to and following all Council of Ministers meetings to the chairs of the Commons European Scrutiny and Lords EU Select Committees. The proposals were generally well-received. I am now in the process of reporting back the Committees' views to ministerial colleagues. I will announce any new initiative for reporting on Council of Ministers meetings by way of a written ministerial statement.

Secondary information