Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Russell-Johnston (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 26 October 2006.

G6: Ministerial Meeting

Question: My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that reply. She will be familiar with the document in my hand, which is described as, "““Behind Closed Doors … at Heiligendamm””." It sounds like a thriller. In fact it is our European Union Committee report on the so-called G6 meeting there. First, is the Home Office fully alive to the strictures in the report about a lack of accountability and transparency? Secondly, will she say something about the linked and very sharp criticism made of the impact of G6 decisions on smaller European Union countries that is encapsulated in the phrase: "““The G6 should recognise that they are not the Europe des Six””," which I suppose is Franglais?

Answer: My Lords, first, I reassure the noble Lord that we are very alive to the strictures in the report. Secondly, there is no suggestion whatever that the G6 group is the major driver of the European movement. It is an informal group that meets to discuss matters of real interest that are openly shared with all members of the Union. The conclusions are shared also. I should make it clear that it is not a decision-making body; it is an opportunity for those six member states to discuss from time to time openly and transparently matters of mutual interest and concern.

Secondary information