Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 19 March 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 March 1998. It was answered by Doug Henderson (Labour) on Friday, 27 March 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 17th March 1998 at 308 c555W, on EU Common Foreign and Security Policy if he will make it his policy to place in the Library the minutes of the working groups' meetings.

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 17 March 1998, Official Report, column 555, on EU Common Foreign and Security Policy if he will make it his policy to place in the Library the minutes of the working groups' meetings. [36085] Mr. Doug Henderson: We are committed to ensuring more effective parliamentary scrutiny of, and greater openness in EU business, including Common Foreign and Security Policy. We have made proposals accordingly both in the EU and at a national level. We do not, however, have discretion unilaterally to disclose documents that reveal the negotiating position of individual Member States or which could damage the conduct of our national relations. We do not therefore propose to place records of Common Foreign and Security Policy working group meetings in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 36085; 309 c311W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Disclosure of information EU common foreign and security policy EU action