Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 14 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 December 2005. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 January 2006 on behalf of the Treasury.

EU Committees

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many meetings of the EU (a) Committee on administrative cooperation in the field of indirect taxation, including the Fiscalis programme: anti-fraud (SCAF), (b) Committee on administrative cooperation in the field of indirect taxation, including the Fiscalis programme: training (SCAT), (c) Committee on administrative cooperation in the field of indirect taxation, including the Fiscalis programme: information technology (SCIT) and (d) Committee on excise duties have taken place during the UK Presidency of the EU; who presided over each meeting; what other UK representatives were present; what provision was made for representation of the devolved governments; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: During the period of the UK's Presidency of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2005 the Standing Committee on Administrative Co-operation (SCAC) met on 12 July and 9 December, its IT sub-Committee (SCIT) met on 20 July and 25 November, and the Excise Committee on 25 November. There were no meetings of the Fiscalis Committee. A European Commission DG TAXUD official chaired each of the meetings and in accordance with long standing arrangements, UK representation was provided by a designated official from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Secondary information