Written question asked by Greg Pope (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 January 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 January 2010. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 January 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

European Economic and Social Committee

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria the Government uses to select candidates for nomination to serve on Section III of the European Economic and Social Committee.

Answer: Within Section III, potential UK candidates should be able to demonstrate a detailed, up-to-date level of knowledge and experience in one or more of a number of areas, including, but not limited to, services sectors, small business, research, agriculture, consumer interests, environmental interests, youth experience or sustainable development. This list is not exhaustive. All candidates should be able to contribute effectively to the Committee in promoting UK interests in their chosen field.Where possible, the UK delegation as a whole should reflect levels of national diversity. This includes race, religion and belief, gender, sexual orientation, age and disability. It is also desirable that members come from all parts of the UK (although European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) members do not represent regions) and be representative of a wide range of interests and experience.Every candidate should have enough time available to prepare for and attend EESC meetings. Delegates are expected to spend at least 60 days a year in Brussels on Committee business, in addition to time spent conducting research and travelling.

Secondary information