Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 27 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 March 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 March 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, whether a Scottish Executive Minister will be a member of the UK delegation to the forthcoming Research European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 11th March; and what information is being provided by her Department to guarantee effective pre-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. - (Holding answer 4 March 2002).

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether a Scottish Executive Minister will be a member of the UK delegation to the forthcoming Research European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 11 March; and what information is being provided by her Department to guarantee effective pre-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [40320] Ms Hewitt: [holding answer 4 March 2002]: My noble Friend the Minister for Science normally attends Research European Union Council of Ministers meetings for the UK. A Scottish Executive Minister will not be a member of the UK delegation to the Research Council meeting on 11 March. 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. My Department provides information to Scottish Executive officials as part of that process. In developing the UK Government's position on European research issues, the Office of Science and Technology regularly consults the devolved administrations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40320; 381 c355W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Attendance Ministers Research Scottish Executive Council of Ministers UK delegations EC Research Council
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk