Written question asked by Mark Lazarowicz (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 November 2001. It was answered by Lord Prescott (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 November 2001 on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Cabinet Office;Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will make a statement on the future programme of meetings of the Council of the Isles.

Answer: Mr. Lazarowicz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the future programme of meetings of the Council of the Isles. [10862] Mr. Prescott: The British-Irish Council, brings together the British and Irish Governments, the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the authorities in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The British-Irish Council meets in different formats. Since the first summit meeting held in London in December 1999, a number of meetings have taken place in different sectoral areas at ministerial and official level. The most recent meeting of the Council took place in Dublin on 13 September 2001. Officials discussed the issue of misuse of drugs, the area of work for which Ireland is the lead administration within the Council. The Irish Government will host the next British-Irish Council summit. The drugs issue will be the main item for discussion at the summit. Progress in the other areas of work of the Council will also be reviewed. The Government look forward to further meetings taking place in the agreed areas of work.

Secondary information