Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 15 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 Thursday, 26 January 2006 on behalf of the Treasury.

EU Committees

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many meetings of the EU (a) Joint Committee (EEC-Switzerland) on the simplification of inspections and formalities (and working party), (b) Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Norway), (c) Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Iceland) and (d) Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Switzerland-Liechtenstein) have taken place during the UK presidency of the EU; who presided over each meeting; which other UK representatives were present; what provisions were made for representation of the devolved governments; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The information is as follows:(a) There has been one meeting of the Joint Committee (EEC-Switzerland) on the simplification of inspections and formalities (and working party) and the (d) Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Switzerland-Liechtenstein) during the UK presidency on 27 October 2005. The Commission represents the EC.(b) There were no meetings of the Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Norway) during the UK presidency.(c) There have been no meetings of the Customs Section of the Joint Committee (EEC-Iceland) during the UK presidency.

Secondary information