Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 17 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 April 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 25 April 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason no devolved adminstration minister attended the 2419th European Union Council of Ministers (Agriculture) meeting on 18th March; which suggestions and matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation; and what information and evidence was provided by her Department to enable effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. - (Holding answer 22 April 2002).

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason no devolved Adminstration Minister attended the 2419 European Union Council of Ministers (Agriculture) meeting on 18 March; which suggestions and matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation; and what information and evidence was provided by her Department to enable effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [51728] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 22 April 2002]: No Ministers from the devolved Administrations attended the March Agriculture Council as there was nothing on the agenda of specific interest to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the UK Government are well briefed on their interests in more general matters. There was no need for the UK Government to raise any issues of particular concern to the Scottish Executive. On the third point, it is the responsibility of the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the Scottish Executive's involvement in preparations for EU Council meetings. These arrangements are a matter for the Committee and the Scottish Executive. The Department provides information to Scottish Executive officials as part of that process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 51728; 384 c386-7W;384 c385W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Information Parliamentary scrutiny Ministers Scotland Scottish Parliament Scottish Executive UK delegations EC Agriculture Council
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk