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To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make a statement on helping people on incapacity benefit to get back to work.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department for Work and Pensions

Oral questions - Lead

Status

Answered

Date

15 March 2004

Reference

419 c15-6; 160849

House

House of Commons

Dept for Transport

Statement on what the outcome was of the Transport Council held in Brussels on 4th to 5th December; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department for Transport

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

4 December 2003

For answer on

5 January 2004

Answered on

5 January 2004

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the outcome was of the Transport Council held in Brussels on 4 to 5 December; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [142977] Mr. Jamieson: The transport session of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council met in Brussels on 5 December. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State represented the United Kingdom. The Presidency gave a progress report on the proposed Directive on sanctions for ship-source pollution, indicating that further work was needed. The Transport Council would call on the Justice and Home Affairs Council to look at the parallel proposal for a framework decision for criminal sanctions. The UK is among Member States seeking to ensure the exclusion of criminal sanctions from the Directive. The Council reached a General Approach on an amendment to the Regulation which established the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The Regulation extends EMSA's role into the areas of certification of third country seafarers, counter- pollution measures and ship security. The security role is to be limited, on the basis of a Presidency compromise proposal, to ships only (thereby excluding the ship/port interface and ports themselves). This was accepted by all delegations. The Council reached a General Approach on a Regulation on transfer of vessels between Community registers. The text is acceptable to the UK. The Council reached Political Agreement on an amending Regulation on airport slot allocation. The Presidency explained that the proposal concerned technical amendments to the existing rules on slot allocation, with market measures left to a later phase. A compromise text safeguarded the possibility of secondary slot trading at congested airports (the key issue for the UK), and removed a time limit on the re- letting of public service contracts. My right hon. Friend joined others in speaking in support of the compromise. The Commission said it would come forward in 2004 with a proposal to introduce market elements to the slot allocation system. The Commissioner reported on her recent informal talks with the US on EU/US air service negotiations. The US had said that they envisaged the negotiations focusing on ownership and control issues, competition, leasing, and airport access. The Council reached Political Agreement on a revised proposal to amend the guidelines to the transport Trans-European Network. This provides for: simpler environmental assessment requirements; tighter conditions for start-up aid in the context of `motorways of the sea'; greater Commission consultation with Member States over action in response to project delays; and scope for adding to or amending the list of priority projects on the basis of two-yearly Commission reports. The amendments are largely acceptable to all Member States, including the UK. Among AOB items, the Commission reported on progress in negotiations with the United States on interoperability of the Galileo satellite navigation system with the US Global Positioning System (GPS). The Commission also welcomed the commercial and development agreement reached with China on Galileo. The Council reached a General Approach on the Directive on interoperability of European electronic road tolling systems. The UK has particular interest in this measure because of our plans to introduce lorry road-user charging. We were able to accept the revised text at the Council, which had moved a considerable way to accommodate concerns we had had. There was a policy debate on the directive on charging of heavy goods vehicles (the Eurovignette directive), on the basis of three questions put in advance by the Presidency. The written submissions by Member and accession States will be used to inform future negotiations during the Irish Presidency. We explained specific points in the UK submission, in particular pressing for the scope of the Directive to permit the inclusion of congestion and environmental costs in any charges and arguing against mandatory hypothecation of toll revenue. The Council failed to reach agreement on the Directive on weekend lorry bans. We joined a number of other Member States in speaking in support of the proposal. However, the number of Member States opposed to even minimal EU rules prevented agreement. This issue will now be examined further and put to a future Council. The Commission presented two new legislative proposals in the area of road transport: the third driving licence directive; and a proposal requiring more frequent checking of commercial vehicles for compliance with drivers' hours legislation. These will now be examined in detail before being submitted to a future Council for agreement. The Council agreed Conclusions on road safety, confirming the agreement reached at the informal meeting in Verona in October. The UK welcomes the Conclusions as a significant contribution to European road safety, and will support future proposals which stand up to the tests of subsidiarity and proportionality. The Commission also presented a Recommendation on enforcement in the field of road safety. No formal votes were taken.

Date

5 January 2004

Reference

142977; 416 c54-5W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 27th to 28th November was; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref...

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

1 December 2003

For answer on

17 December 2003

Answered on

17 December 2003

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 27 to 28 November was; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [142007] Caroline Flint: My noble Friends (Baroness Scotland) and (Lord Filkin) represented the United Kingdom at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussels on 27-28 November. A list of `A' points approved (with the exception of item 34) at the Council has been placed in the Library (Documents PTS A 63 15256/03 and ADD 1). The Presidency concluded a general approach on the draft Framework Decision on drug trafficking but noted four Parliamentary Reserves and that the European Parliament will be re-consulted. The Presidency also concluded a general approach on the draft Mutual Legal Assistance agreement between the EU and Norway and Iceland and noted two outstanding Parliamentary Reserves. It hoped that the Council Decision authorising the Presidency to sign the Agreement would be adopted on 8 December. Similarly the proposal for a regulation creating a European Enforcement Order for uncontested civil claims was the subject of a general approach. Lord Filkin noted the UK's Parliamentary Reservation on Article 2. Two other member states had other reservations and the Presidency therefore suggested the remaining difficulties should be discussed at a technical meeting. They hoped to be able to adopt a common position by the end of the year to allow consideration by the European Parliament and adoption of the Regulation in this legislature. The Presidency noted the conclusions of the last meeting of the Police Chiefs' Task Force and the willingness to make more effective use of liaison officers. Draft Council conclusions on strengthening community co-operation in the field of civil protection assistance were adopted and the Commission indicated that in early 2004 it planned to present a Communication building on these. Under Any Other Business four member states, including the UK, confirmed they had passed their domestic legislation implementing the European Arrest Warrant. Six member states indicated that they planned to do so by 31 December 2003 deadline but five member states envisaged some slippage. Separately, the Presidency proposed the adoption of a charter on the importance of inter-faith dialogue. Following a meeting in the margins of the council the text of a non-binding statement was agreed but will only be adopted when two member states have lifted their reservations. The Presidency noted the progress made on the Asylum Procedures Directive: they had inherited a measure with 239 reservations on the text but only 37 now remained. Nonetheless given that these related to contentious issues (safe third countries, safe countries of origin, and appeals), the Presidency concluded that discussion should continue under the Irish Presidency, with a view to concluding by the deadline in the Amsterdam Treaty (1 May 2004). The Commission (Vitorino) reported its work on the proposed minimum common list of safe country of origin to be adopted with the Directive. Work would be taken forward to identify which of the 22 countries that member states had proposed could be included in the list. One member state was not yet in a position to agree the draft Directive on Minimum Standards for the Qualification and Status of Third-Country Nationals and Stateless Persons as Refugees and so the Presidency noted that discussion would continue under the Irish Presidency, which would aim to agree the Directive before 1 May 2004. The Presidency reported on the outcome of the seminar, "Towards more orderly and managed entry in the EU of persons in need of international protection" which had focused on the merits of an EU resettlement programme and EU-level protected entry procedures. The Presidency's document aimed to guide the work of the Commission in preparing its report to the June 2004 European Council on legal means of entry for refugees to the EU and improvements to the protection capacity of refugees' regions of origin. Given member states differing views on the Council Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of paid and self- employment the Presidency would consider future handling. (The UK has not opted in to this proposal). The Mixed Committee reached a general approach on draft Council Conclusions on the European External Borders Agency, and these were subsequently adopted in the Council itself. Baroness Scotland stressed our desire to participate as fully as possible in the work of the Agency and the benefits this would bring to all. Two other member states supported. Commissioner Vitorino stressed his desire for the UK and Ireland to participate within the framework of the agency. He stressed that, although there might be institutional consequences, these should not be allowed to undermine the work of the Agency. He also urged member states to reach political agreement on what they wanted from the Agency, stating that only then could the participants' legal positions be addressed. A general approach was reached on the Sea Borders Agency Work Programme (which was subsequently adopted by the Council) after one member state withdrew its reservations. The Mixed Committee and the Council agreed a general approach on the Regulations laying down a uniform format for visas and residence permits, and adopted the associated Council Conclusions, which dealt with the need for an additional legal instrument to deal with the storage of biometric visa data. In the margins of the Council on 28 November Baroness Scotland represented the UK at a meeting with Ministers from the countries of the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. The UK welcomed the action they are taking or planning to meet their commitments, made at the London Conference and Thessaloniki summit, to fight organised crime and improve border management. Baroness Scotland underlined the need for implementation of these plans and continued co- operation with the EU, with the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY) in the Hague and within the region. The directors of Europol and Eurojust briefly outlined the work they are doing in the region, although in the latter's case this was at an early stage. In relation to borders the Commission welcomed some of the specific action plans that countries in the region had developed but stressed that these were just a beginning that they would need to be improved. The joint conclusions were adopted and the Netherlands noted they would organise a follow-up ministerial conference during their Presidency to assess progress against commitments made today.

Date

17 December 2003

Reference

142007; 415 c937-40W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the outcome was of the Competitiveness Council on 27th November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

27 November 2003

For answer on

2 December 2003

Answered on

2 December 2003

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Competitiveness Council on 27 November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [141490] Jacqui Smith: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I represented the UK at the Competitiveness Council on 26-27 November 2003. Member States agreed to support France as the EU's candidate for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). It was also agreed that the legal entity for the project would be incorporated in Spain with an office in a city near the French border, and Spain would have one of the two EU directors. Commissioner Busquin introduced the White Paper on Space emphasising the three main axes: citizens needs, exemplified by satellite projects such as Galileo and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES); consolidating Europe's space Science and Technology expertise important for growth; and a framework for better use of existing resources. The Presidency emphasised the importance of the latest approach on the Growth Initiative. R&D projects were included for the first time, and innovative financing instruments would be used, combining FP6, PPPs and EIB funding. The Commission introduced its new Communication on an Integrated Competitiveness Strategy. Amongst other things it outlines ways to facilitate the work of the Competitiveness Council, and emphasises the three elements of rigorous analysis of challenges; better regulation; and innovation and entrepreneurship. We welcomed this strategy and the other Reports and Scoreboards presented at the Council. These help us understand the scale of the task we face in delivering economic reform in the EU. The Council adopted wide- ranging conclusions on competitiveness based on these. Unanimous agreement was reached on the adoption of the proposed review of the Mergers Regulation. The new Regulation introduces some flexibility into the investigation timeframes although their predictability is unaffected, reinforces the "one-stop shop" concept so that it benefits firms, and clarifies that the substantive test contained in the regulation covers all types of harmful scenarios, whether dominance by a single firm or effects stemming from a situation of oligopoly that might harm the interests of European consumers. Ministers at the Council also reached an agreement on the Takeovers Directive. The agreement makes key articles optional for Member States. It allows them to decide either to impose the defensive measures allowed for in articles 9 and/or 11 on all their listed companies or, if they did not do so, allow companies to voluntarily "opt-in" to the provisions of those articles). Companies will be required to disclose their status as opted-in or out. Discussion on the final outstanding points on the Regulation to establish a Community Patent continued on and off throughout the Council. Discussion hinged on the issues of languages, in particular, the legal effect of translations on a patent claim and the length of time allowed to file such translations. On the issue of legal effect, the Council managed to find compromise wording. Agreement, however, was not reached on the deadline for filing translations. A UK compromise text was adopted on the Fifth Motor Insurance Directive, which improves insurance cover for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the EU, whilerespecting national liability and compensation law. Agreement was also reached on a revision to the Community Trademark.

Date

2 December 2003

Reference

141490; 415 c21-3W

House

House of Commons

PROPOSED CLOSURE OF LEICESTER HAYMARKET THEATRE

That this House condemns the decision of the Leicester Haymarket Theatre Board to cease trading from the end of July 2003, leading to the closure of the regionally and nationally renowned Haymarket Theatre and the loss of 70 jobs; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and...

Primary sponsor

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Type

Early day motions

Date

3 June 2003

Reference

1300

House

House of Commons

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, What steps the Government is taking to support regional theatre in Leicester.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Oral questions - Lead

Status

Answered

Date

21 January 2002

Reference

378 c598; 26165

House

House of Commons

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Statement on what the outcome was of the Environment Council held in Brussels on 12th to 13th December; what the Government's position was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

14 December 2001

For answer on

15 January 2002

Answered on

15 January 2002

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Environment Council held in Brussels on 12 to 13 December; what the Government's position was on each issue discussed, including their voting record; and if she will make a statement. [23887] Mr. Meacher: I represented the UK at the Environment Council held in Brussels on 12 December 2001. This was the final Environment Council of the Belgian presidency. Council reached political agreement on two common positions, with the UK voting in favour of both. Council agreed conclusions on a wide-ranging set of topics: sustainable development, international environmental governance, a review of the pesticides authorisation directive (91/414 EC), a Commission Communication on the first phase of the European Climate Change Programme and a Communication on a strategy for dioxins, furans and PCBs. There was a policy debate on a proposed directive setting up an EU greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme. There were four items on the agenda under the heading of Climate Change. Council heard a report back on the successful outcome of the Seventh Conference of the Parties (COP7) in Marrakech, which took place between 29 October and 10 November. The importance of member states now pressing ahead with ratification of the Kyoto Protocol was stressed. Council also heard a presidency progress report on a decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Once the decision is agreed individual member states and the EU will be able to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, the expectation being that they will do so before the World Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2002. Council conclusions were also agreed on the implementation of the first phase of the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP), a package of common and co-ordinated policies and measures to reduced greenhouse gas emissions that has been prepared in discussion with member states and stakeholders. During an orientation debate on a proposed EU greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme all member states expressed support for the establishment of such a scheme. Member states were split on whether the initial phase should have voluntary or mandatory participation. There was broad agreement, however, that credits should be allocated free of charge during the initial phase, and there was also broad support for starting with carbon dioxide alone, with a view to extending the scheme to other greenhouse gases in the future. Political agreement on a common position was agreed on a proposed directive to bring community rules into line with the second pillar of the Aarhus Convention dealing with public consultation in environmental decision- making. The Council endorsed European Parliament amendment aiming to improve information to the public about decisions taken, and to enhance the use of electronic media. The Commission wanted the proposal to apply to updating of all permits, including very minor changes. The common position will only apply in such cases likely to give rise to significant environmental effects. The Commission reserved its position to return to the issue at second reading. Council reached political agreement on a proposal to introduce sulphur-free (<10 ppm) petrol and diesel in every member state from 1 January 2005 alongside existing fuels. Council agreed that from 1 January 2009 the use of this fuel should be mandatory. The proposal will mean lower exhaust emissions and will facilitate improvements in fuel economy in the future. The UK achieved its key objective of ensuring that the agreement would not impose fuel quality restrictions on fuel (diesel) used by non-road mobile machines (NRMM's) in advance of a full Commission review of the costs and benefits of such a measure.Council agreed conclusions in response to the Commission's communication on a strategy for dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls. The strategy proposes a number of actions aimed at preventing the formation and release of these substances; further identification of sources; establishment of indicators; and faster, cheaper measurement methods. Council broadly welcomed the Commission's approach, and asked for it to consider a number of options, including the setting of limit values for emissions under the integrated pollution prevent and control directive, improved measurement methods, and possible instruments for the control of non-industrial sources of emissions. Council heard a brief presidency progress report on the proposed regulation on traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms. Some provisional agreement had been reached on parts of the text, although issues such as the scope, and the treatment of derived products, need further work. The UK supports the need for an effective traceability and labelling system to deliver reliable information and dependable consumer choice. Council Conclusions on the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS) clarified the role of Environment Council and its complementarity to other Council formations and the General Affairs Council's general co-ordinating role; offered views on the four priorities identified by the Gothenburg European Council and promoted the development of an external dimension to the EU SDS. Council asked the permanent representatives to report back on how to improve arrangements for co-ordinating work on sustainable development. On Global Environmental Governance, Council agreed Conclusions underlining the need to strengthen international environmental structures, as part of the preparations for, and follow up to, the World Summit on Sustainable Development. They referred to the need to strengthen the financial situation of the United Nations Environment Programme, including a call for countries to step up their efforts to contribute at the level of the UN assessed rate. Conclusions on the Commission's evaluation of the Pesticides Authorisation Directive (91/414 EC) broadly supported the Commission's approach. Council recognised that the review of existing active substances could not be completed within the current timetable of end of 2003. It therefore extended the period for the review to the end of 2008 but to only the end of 2005 for higher priority substances. Council also called on the Commission to cover a number of detailed issues in further work in this area including the proposed revision of the directive and a thematic strategy on pesticides. The Commission presented a proposal for the revision of directive 96/82 (Seveso II), and a proposal for the revision of recovery and recycling targets in the directive on packaging and packaging waste. The Commission also gave progress reports on proposed directives on an EU chemicals strategy, recycling of batteries and accumulators and air quality limits for heavy metals in ambient air. The UK drew members states' attention to the problems for air quality posed by rising background levels of ozone precursors, and asked the Commissioner to consider what action was necessary. Council also heard progress reports on a thematic strategy for the sustainable use of pesticides and on the revision of Regulation 2455/92 (trade in certain dangerous chemicals) which is necessary to enable the EC to become a Party to the Rotterdam Convention. There were also progress reports on the ratification of the Rotterdam Convention and the IMO Convention on TBT, and on Community implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The Commission also briefed Council on the progress of accession negotiations on the environment with the candidate countries. Over lunch Ministers held a discussion on Global Environmental Governance and the outcome of the recent WTO negotiations in Doha. Ministers agreed to press Heads of Government to attend the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, and to include a commitment to that effect in the Laeken European Council conclusions.

Date

15 January 2002

Reference

378 c264-6W;378 c278-80W; 23887

House

House of Commons

Dept for Education and Skills

Statement on what the outcome was of the Education and Youth Council held in Brussels on 29th November; what the Government's position was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. - Inc fact that a copy of the Council minutes will be...

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department for Education and Skills

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

29 November 2001

For answer on

10 December 2001

Answered on

10 December 2001

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the outcome was of the Education and Youth Council held in Brussels on 29 November; what the Government's position was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [20363] Margaret Hodge: I represented the UK at the morning (Education) session of this Council meeting; John Denham (Minister for Children and Young People) and Jane Davidson AM (Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning in Wales) represented the UK at the afternoon (Youth) session. Education The Council discussed the follow-up to the report on "Concrete Future Objectives of Education and Training Systems" (presented to the Stockholm European Council in March 2001) and adopted Conclusions setting out a number of principles concerning follow-up as well as a proposal timetable for taking work forward. The UK supported these principles, stressing the need for a coherent approach to work in this and other fields such as lifelong learning. The Council also discussed co-operation with third countries in the field of higher education, in the context of a Communication from the Commission on that subject. Ministers adopted without debate a "Resolution on the promotion of linguistic diversity and language learning in the framework of the implementation of the objectives of the European Year of Languages 2001"; and an "Opinion concerning education and training issues in the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for member states' employment policies for 2002". The Council received information from the Commission on its Communication "Making a European Area of Lifelong Learning a Reality"; and on the proposal for a "Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the European Year of Education through Sport 2004". Youth The Council discussed the recently adopted Commission White Paper "A New Impetus for European Youth." Given the very short time scale since its publication on 21 November 2001, Ministers offered only an initial view of its content. The UK supported the generally positive response to the proposals in the White Paper and endorsed the suggested open method of co-operation as being an appropriate way of taking the policy forward. Ministers adopted without debate a "Resolution on the added value of voluntary activity for young people in the context of the development of Community action on youth." The Council received information from the Commission on the Evaluation Report of "Youth for Europe" and "European Voluntary Service" Community programmes for the period 1995 to 1999, and from the German delegation on the European Conference "Youth for Tolerance and Democracy" held in Berlin from 21 to 23 October 2001. A copy of the Council minutes will be placed in the Library in due course.

Date

10 December 2001

Reference

376 c642-3W; 20363

House

House of Commons

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, If he will make a statement on his support for concessionary bus fares for pensioners. - Inc figures.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

Oral questions - Lead

Status

Answered

Date

13 February 2001

Reference

363 c143; 148443

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

(Pursuant to reply on 19.12.2000 at 360 c134-5W) Statement on the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 14th December. - Corrected figures given for agreed total UK quotas in comparison with Commission proposals.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

25 January 2001

Reference

143617; 361 c698W;361 c700W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

Statement on what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 30th November to 1st December; and if he will make a statement. - Inc fact that summary of the main matters have been placed in the Library. (Dep 01/101).

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

8 January 2001

Reference

360 c421W; 141624

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

Statement on the outcome of the Health Council held in Brussels on 14th December.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

15 December 2000

For answer on

8 January 2001

Answered on

8 January 2001

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Health Council held in Brussels on 14 December. [143618] Ms Stuart: I attended the Health Council in Brussels on 14 December with Jane Hutt, Health Minister for the National Assembly for Wales. A summary of the outcome of the meeting is in the table. Health Council--14 December 2000 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Agenda item Issue UK position Outcome 1 Adoption of provisional -- -- -- agenda. 2 Adoption of `A' points. -- -- -- 3 Proposal for a Decision To agree the extension We support the The Council voted in of the European of six of the eight continuation of these favour of the extension Parliament and of the public health programmes programmes for a limited of the programmes. Council extending until the new public period to avoid any certain programmes of health programme is in break in continuity in Community action in the place. A further two taking forward action in field of public health programmes are due to a number of areas. For adopted by Decisions no. end on 31 December 2003 example, the setting up 645/96/EC, no. and so are not included of communicable diseases 646/96/EC, no. in the proposal. networks. 647/96/EC, no. 102/97/EC, no. 1400/97/EC and no. 1296/1999/EC and amending those decisions. 4 Proposal for a Decision This proposal was The UK broadly supports There was an orientation of the European produced by the the proposal but Ms debate with member Parliament and Council Commission in July in Stuart made the states commenting on the adopting a Community the context of a following points--that broad principles of the action programme in the Communication on an EU the UK will wish to proposal rather than field of public health. Health Strategy. The ensure that the proposal considering the text in Community action does not try to extend detail. programme will replace the scope of Community the eight existing competence and that the public health UK believes that programmes. Common although stronger position was not reached co-ordination is needed, in time for the Health this does not require Council. setting up a separate Community structure. 5 Council Resolution on Nutrition was a public The UK supports the The Resolution was health and nutrition. health priority for the Resolution. It fits in adopted. Jane Hutt French Presidency. well with UK domestic welcomed the Resolution priorities. on behalf of the UK. 6a Review of regulatory and The Commission's The UK has announced Commissioner Byrne administrative proposal for a Directive proposals for domestic announced the legislation of the banning tobacco legislation in this area Commission's intention member states on the advertising was recently and therefore supports to bring forward a new subject of advertising overturned on the the Directive. Directive on tobacco of tobacco products. grounds of its legal advertising which will base by the European cover those elements of Court of Justice. the previous Directive that the ECJ felt were justified on the grounds of internal market harmonisation. 6b Tobacco Labelling This Directive recasts The UK gave its strong The Parliament voted on Directive. three existing Internal support to the proposed the amendments on 13 Market Directives Directive and warmly December and therefore concerning the tar welcomed the Common there was not enough content of cigarettes, Position agreed at the time for the Council to oral tobacco and Health Council in June. agree its position. The labelling of tobacco The Directive text will now be products and updates complements UK proposed considered under the these provisions in the UK domestic legislation Swedish Presidency and light of recent well. The UK's response is likely to go to scientific developments to the Parliament's Conciliation. in this field. Common amendments is being Position was reached at considered. the June Health Council. The text has been undergoing its second reading. Compromise proposals were put forward to the Parliament but no agreement was reached. 6c WHO Framework Convention The FCTC is WHO's first The UK supports and is Commissioner Byrne on Tobacco Control. attempt at using its fully participating in commented on the need to powers to establish a the negotiations. revisit the negotiating global treaty. Following mandate with a view to a period of information incorporating further collection, the areas of Community negotiations began in competence (e.g. October. A mandate was taxation). agreed to allow the Commission to negotiate in areas of EU competence. 7 Council Resolution on The Resolution was The UK strongly supports The Resolution was paediatric medicines. initiated by the French the Resolution, although adopted. Presidency. Its aim is it recognises that the to invite the Commission details of any proposals to come forward with will need careful proposals which consideration. There encourage the are, for example, major development of medicines ethical considerations specifically for use in in conducting trials in the treatment of children. children. 8 Action Plan `e-Europe The Action Plan, which DH is generally content The Commission gave an 2002--An Information is now at the with the proposed oral progress report. Society for all'. implementation stage. It approach in the health includes a chapter on chapter and is liaising `Health on-Line'. closely with DTI colleagues. 9 Clinical Trials progress The Directive will The UK is very The Council accepted all report. establish a legal supportive of the the amendments approved framework for the Directive. this week by the conduct of clinical European Parliament, trials in the EU. It thus avoiding will provide safeguards conciliation. The to trial subjects and Presidency concluded aid the development of that a qualified medicines, including for majority vote existed in children, across the EU. favour of the Directive despite attempts by the Netherlands to have a further debate on specific problems of concern to them. 10a Communicable diseases: The Community Network The UK is committed to The Commission presented Implementation of the for the epidemiological the success of the the progress report. European network for surveillance and control Network, and to the surveillance and rapid of communicable `network' principle to reaction. diseases, including a achieve its objectives. Rapid Reaction Response, has completed its first year of operation. 10b Communicable disease: The purpose of this item UK (Ms Stuart) welcomed The Commission had BSE/Epidemiological was to debate a the additional measures circulated the latest situation of CJD. Commission presentation agreed in Agriculture figures showing the on nCJD trends. Council and, talked number of nv CJD cases about the UK experience across member states. on health and social The Presidency tabled care for nCJD patients Council conclusions on and their families further work on nCJD/BSE and the importance of Health Ministers being fully associated with public health issues at a European level, which were agreed. 11a Presentation of new The Recommendation The UK broadly supports The Council noted the texts by the Commission: refers to health the Recommendation which Recommendation. Recommendation on promotion, education and will complement the UK's Alcohol and the health information measures as consultation paper on a of Young People. well as `codes of National Strategy to conduct' with the Tackle Alcohol Misuse advertising and alcohol due to be published in industries. the new year. 11b Blood Directive The Directive proposal The UK is fully The Council noted the proposal. aims to ensure the committed to the Directive proposal. safety of the blood proposal and played a transfusion chain by strong role in getting setting high standards this Recommendation of quality and safety passed during the UK for the collection, Presidency in 1998. processing, storage and distribution of whole blood, and blood components. 12 Any other business The paper proposes that The UK recognises the There was no discussion European approach to the Commission develop need and the on this item. clinical trials on AIDS ideas on how to improve difficulties of research. co-ordination and establishing European support for AIDS clinical trials in AIDS clinical trials. and other diseases and supports the proposal that the Commission should consider mechanisms for co-ordinating AIDS clinical trials in light of developments on the European Research Area. _________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Date

8 January 2001

Reference

360 c438-42W;360 c438-41W; 143618

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Statement on what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 4th and 5th December; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to document no 14012/00 and no 12937/00, in Library.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

6 December 2000

For answer on

20 December 2000

Answered on

20 December 2000

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 4 and 5 December; and if he will make a statement. [141626] Mr. Vaz: The General Affairs Council (GAC) on 4-5 December adopted the "A" points listed in document no. 14012/00 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its session of 13-17 November in Strasbourg listed in document no. 12937/00. Copies of these documents have been placed in the House Libraries. 1. Nice Preparation (External Issues) The GAC considered the Presidency report to the Nice European Council on European Security and Defence Policy and agreed to submit it to the Nice European Council. 2. Preparations for Nice (Horizontal Issues) The Presidency outlined the agenda for the Nice European Council and ran through the reports to be presented at it. 3. IGC The GAC discussed various issues relating to the Inter-governmental Conference. These included enhanced co-operation, the size and composition of the Commission, Qualified Majority Voting and other areas covered in the latest Presidency draft Treaty text. Discussion would continue at the Nice Summit from 7 December. 4. Enlargement The GAC agreed a Report on Enlargement to be annexed to the Nice European Council conclusions. The Report reaffirmed the historical perspective of enlargement, confirmed that the EU will be ready to welcome new members from the end of 2002 and welcomed the Commission's Strategy Paper. It is consistent with the Prime Minister's call, in Warsaw in October, for new members to participate in the European Parliament elections in 2004. 5. Turkey Pre-accession Strategy The GAC reached agreement, pending receipt of the European Parliament's opinion, on the text of Turkey's Accession Partnership; agreed a Framework Regulation providing the legal base for the Partnership; and adopted a proposal guaranteeing 450 million euro (£275.76 million) of European Investment Bank lending to Turkey, to help Turkey implement the provisions of its Customs Union with the EC. 6. MEPS' Statute The Presidency reported that there had been no significant progress in its negotiations with the European Parliament. There was no discussion.

Date

20 December 2000

Reference

360 c197-8W; 141626

House

House of Commons

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Statement on the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 14th December. - Inc figures and fact that details of the agreed TACs will be made available in the Libraries of the House. (DEP 00/1944). (Corrected information on 25.01.2001 at 361 c698W)

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

15 December 2000

For answer on

19 December 2000

Answered on

19 December 2000

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 14 December. [143617] Mr. Morley: I represented the United Kingdom at a meeting of the EU Fisheries Council in Brussels on 14-15 December, together with Rhona Brankin, Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs in the Scottish Executive, and Mrs. Brid Rodgers, the Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development. The Council agreed by qualified majority, with Belgium and Greece voting against and Italy abstaining, on total allowable catches (TACS) and quotas to apply in 2001 EU Waters and for EU vessels fishing in waters where catch limitations apply. Details of the agreed TACs will be made available in the Libraries of the House. Following from the advice of fisheries scientists in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Commission proposed severe cuts in many TACs, notably for cod and hake, reflecting the poor state of stocks and the need to hold fishing effort at a level which will assist the recovery of depleted stocks. In addition, the Commission proposed cuts of 20 per cent. for a large range of stocks which may be caught with cod and hake, including prawns (nephrops) and flat fish. I successfully argued that these cuts went beyond the science and would be excessive in their application. Taking measures to enable cod stocks to recover was a key priority, but this should be done by carefully targeted measures to reduce fishing effort, protect spawning and juvenile cod and improve the selectivity of fishing gear. I am pleased to report that such measures will be developed in close consultation with fishermen and scientists under the Cod Recovery Plan, which the Council agreed would be adopted early next year. There is also to be a corresponding Hake Recovery Plan. By acting to protect the cod and hake stocks through recovery plans, it was possible to secure smaller cuts than the Commission had proposed, while still respecting the scientific advice. This particularly applies to flat fish and nephrops. For these, the agreed cuts are now generally 10 per cent. or less. Also, it will be possible to increase nephrops and other TACs if it can be shown that the cod or hake bycatch in these fisheries is low. Improvements were also secured in megrim, haddock and monkfish TACs and the cut in hake TACs was reduced from 74 per cent. to 41 per cent. Our quotas were also improved because Hague Preference was applied on all those stocks on which I judged that it was in our national interest to seek it. As a result of these changes the total UK quotas agreed were some 4,000 tonnes higher in cod equivalent tonnes than in the Commission's proposals. This means that the estimated loss of quota value to the industry in 2001 is reduced by £35 million to £72 million. There is an urgent need for action to protect stocks of deepwater species and the Commission had made proposals for the introduction of TACs and Quotas on nine such species. However, the impact of the proposals would have been of limited value because the stocks are fished by non-EU states whose activities would have been unaffected. Also, the scientific advice suggests that other management measures may be appropriate. Accordingly, the proposals were not adopted, but the Council committed itself to address the question of how protection for these vulnerable and over-exploited stocks could most effectively be improved in early 2001. The Commission also presented a communication on the possibility of setting TACs on a multi-annual rather than annual basis under precautionary management strategies. This approach will apply first to cod and hake. The Council agreed that the Commission will continue its work in this area. The Council reached agreement in principle on the funding of fisheries control activities and on the consolidation of technical measures for highly migratory species like tuna and swordfish. The Council adopted a decision provisionally applying from 1 January 2001, the recently negotiated Fourth Protocol to the EU-Greenland Agreement, Portugal abstained. The Commission reported that negotiations were continuing on a new EU-Morocco Fisheries Agreement, though with little progress so far. In bilateral discussions with Denmark I agreed that we would have joint discussions in early 2001 on the North Sea sandeel fishery. These will cover possible reductions in the size of the TAC and adjustments to the bycatch arrangements which would reduce the allowance for bycatches of fish for human consumption. The outcome of the Council represents a balance between the need to conserve fish stocks for the future and the avoidance of disproportionate cuts in fishing opportunities in 2001. I recognise that the fishing industry faces a difficult period in responding to the poor state of stocks and we will be having discussions with them early in the new year to evaluate the situation.

Date

19 December 2000

Reference

360 c134-5W; 143617

House

House of Commons

Dept of Health

Statement on the outcome of the health council held in Brussels on 29th June; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Health

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

28 July 2000

Reference

129300; 354 c978-80W;354 c978-9W

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Statement on what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 10th and 11th July; and if he will make a statement. (Info in Library Dep 00/130428).

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

10 July 2000

For answer on

18 July 2000

Answered on

18 July 2000

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 10 and 11 July; and if he will make a statement. [130428] Mr. Vaz: The General Affairs Council in Brussels on 10 July adopted the A points in document 10051/00 and noted the resolutions, decisions, and opinions adopted by the European Parliament at its part-session in Strasbourg listed in document 8849/00. Copies of these documents will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available. Western Balkans The Council held an open debate on the Western Balkans, but also discussed it as a formal agenda item, and adopted conclusions. The Council confirmed the EU's intention to hold a summit between the EU and the Western Balkans this autumn. This will confirm that these countries are bound to Europe, will clarify the reciprocal commitments between them and the EU, and will reiterate that the door will also be open to a democratic FRY. The Council noted with great concern the revision of the FRY constitution. The Council reiterated its support for the democratically elected authorities in Montenegro and urged them not to yield to provocation from Belgrade. The Council extended the suspension of the ban on flights between the territories of the European Community and the FRY until 31 March 2001, and welcomed the Commission's intention to increase the number of companies on the financial sanctions "white list". Follow-up to Feira The Presidency announced its work programme for the various items following up the Feira European Council, notably on enlargement and European defence. Ministers agreed that continued work on the latter should be a priority for the French Presidency, and took note of Presidency papers outlining future work on permanent structures within the EU; EU/NATO working groups; and elaboration of the headline goal for military capabilities. They looked forward to the Capabilities Commitment Conference in November, which would represent an important measure of progress on enhancing military capabilities; and also to continued work on the relationship between the EU and the six European members of NATO outside the EU. Russia The Council adopted conclusions on Russia which underline the importance of the Common Strategy in developing a strategic partnership with Russia; orient the work plan on the Common Strategy towards institutional/ economic reform, democratization, and the strengthening of civil society and the independent media; and urge the Commission to resume preparation of the TAXIS indicative programme for 2000-03 and to propose a targeted action plan for 2000. The Council emphasized that a long-term relationship with Russia must be based on common values, that it remained concerned by the situation in Chechnya, and that it would remain vigilant to ensure that Russia respected its commitments to the Council of Europe and the OSCE. Zimbabwe The Council agreed Conclusions on the recent elections in Zimbabwe. These call on the Zimbabwean Government to take steps to bring those responsible for the pre-election violence to justice; to tackle urgently Zimbabwe's economic and social problems; and to work for a rapid solution to the problem of land reform on the basis of the principles of the 1998 Land Conference. Bananas The Council invited the Commission to examine the possibility of a quota-based regime based on the "first-come first-served" licensing system. It also asked the Commission, once it had done this, to report back on possible solutions, including a tariff-only regime and its implications. The Council highlighted its desire to reach a solution as quickly as possible, having regard to WTO rules, the interests of Community procedures and the commitments of the Union to the ACP, especially the most vulnerable. Institute for European-Latin American Relations Under Any Other Business, the Council supported a Spanish proposal to create a working party to seek a solution to IRELA's financial difficulties. Inter-governmental Conference Ministers held a general exchange of views with the EP President Fontaine and Commission President Prodi, following which the Presidency set out its work programme for the next six months. The Council was followed by Association Councils with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Date

18 July 2000

Reference

354 c148-9W; 130428

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Statement on what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 22nd and 23rd May; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to letter in Library. (Dep No 00/1396).

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

14 June 2000

Reference

123722; 351 c621W

House

House of Commons

Dept of Trade and Industry

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what was the outcome of the Industry Council held in Brussels on 18th May; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

18 May 2000

For answer on

6 June 2000

Answered on

6 June 2000

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Industry Council held in Brussels on 18 May; and if he will make a statement. [123439] Mr. Caborn: My right hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Competitiveness in Europe represented the UK at the EU Industry Council held on 18 May. The Council had a debate on competitiveness, focusing on the follow-up actions from the Lisbon European Council and broad consensus was reached on the challenges ahead. There was agreement that the new Multi-Annual Programme should concentrate resources where they could benefit SMEs generally and should be adopted by the end of this year. There was also widespread support from member states for adoption at the Feira European Council on 19-20 June of a European Charter for Small Firms with concrete targets and actions. Several delegations pointed out the need to benchmark Europe's performance against the best in the world to foster a new enterprise policy and the need for greater co-ordination of all the current EU benchmarking exercises. The Commission introduced the results of the second report on the situation in world shipbuilding, highlighting the continued problems faced with Korea, and progress made on the "Agreed Minutes" with Korea in an attempt to address this situation. It was agreed that discussion should continue with Korea as a matter of urgency on unfair trade practices and that continuation of operating aid beyond the end of this year in the EU would not resolve these problems. The Council asked the Commission to make a further report by the end of September. The Commission reported on follow up to the conclusions on integrating sustainable development into EU policy which were agreed at the Helsinki European Council last year and its recent communication on integrating sustainable development into the EU non- energy mining industry. The Commission gave progress reports on the modernisation of competition rules, the impact of electronic commerce on the automotive industry and the future of the European Observatory for Textile and Clothing. It also presented its: eighth survey of state aid; twenty ninth report on competition; monitoring report on restructuring aid to the steel sector. The Council adopted conclusions on: information and communication technologies and traditional sectors; the state of competitiveness of the steel industry in the EU; and concerted action with the member states in the field of enterprise policy.

Date

6 June 2000

Reference

123439; 351 c183W

House

House of Commons

Dept for International Development

Statement on the outcome of the Development Council held in Brussels on 18th May; and if she will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department for International Development

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

18 May 2000

For answer on

24 May 2000

Answered on

24 May 2000

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the outcome of the Development Council held in Brussels on 18 May; and if she will make a statement. [123440] Clare Short: In his opening statement at the Council, Development Commissioner Nielson made clear that the past record of EC development efforts was poor and that major improvement was needed if the strategic goal of EC development policy should in future be to combat poverty. He was committed to increasing the proportion of EC aid going to the poorest countries and to the poor in Middle Income Countries, although he said that this was constrained by political priorities and the budget process. Mr. Nielson thought that EC aid should focus on a limited number of areas where it could add most value, and that compatibility with internationally agreed strategies was vital. He said that a focal point would be set up in DG Development to analyse coherence between EC development policy and other EC policies affecting developing countries. Mr. Nielson thought that the planned reform of EC aid management would increase the sense of responsibility within the Commission and improve the quality of programming. I welcomed the focus on poverty, impact and effectiveness in EC aid. I said that ensuring coherent support for development across EC policy was vital and that it had improved since Seattle. I added that closer integration between development policy and the Common Foreign and Security Policy was needed, and that in a globalising world the EU could no longer be concerned only with the near abroad. I emphasised that reform needed to address issues such as the pressure which drove proposals for unjustified levels of EC funding for the Western Balkans. I said that a strategic and regularly updated Action Plan was now needed to implement the reform process. Subsequent annual reports, if they showed significant improvements in line with this plan, would give member states the confidence to reduce their control of individual EC projects. The Presidency concluded that discussion would continue, leading to the adoption by the next Development Council of a joint statement on EC development policy from the Council and the Commission, with the European Parliament involved in the process. At dinner, I led the discussion on Sierra Leone. I said that the international community needed to be more willing to take risks to provide security, which was a prerequisite for development. I added that the UN had the moral authority to promote conflict resolution, but lacked the necessary tools to do so effectively. France and Italy praised the UK's action in bolstering the UNAMSIL operation. There was general agreement that the UN's credibility was at stake in Sierra Leone, that more support should be given to UN peace-keeping forces, that the whole approach to peace-keeping needed reviewing urgently and that Commission funds for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme should be released more quickly in future. Discussion turned to Guinea Bissau, which the Presidency (Portugal) said now merited EU financial support. Finally, France described recent events and the constitutional reform debate in Cote d'Ivoire. It was agreed that the decision on whether or not to suspend EC aid would depend on the forthcoming Heads of Mission report. The Council adopted conclusions which recommended further improvements to Operational Co-ordination between the Commission and member states in developing countries. I stressed the importance of wider co-ordination around Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers led by the partner countries. The Council then adopted three items without discussion. The UK supported the resolution on Structural Adjustment (budget and sector support for developing countries), which makes poverty reduction its ultimate objective and incorporates many examples of best practice. The UK also supported the procedural conclusions on integrating the environment and sustainable development into EC development policy, and in particular the link with poverty reduction and reinforcement of the importance of policy coherence. We are now keen to help devise a comprehensive strategy to implement these conclusions. The UK also supported the conclusions on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, which call on the Commission to examine what else the EC could do to confront major poverty diseases. The Council followed up last year's evaluation of humanitarian aid by adopting a resolution which seeks to guide the Commission without micromanaging them. The proposal that the EC Humanitarian Office should add to its funding role by developing an emergency response capacity was not adopted; the UK view is that the case for this is not proven. This was followed by a discussion of conflict and crisis situations introduced by the Presidency, during which I reinforced my message on Sierra Leone. It was concluded that discussions on more rapid and effective instruments for conflict management should continue under the French Presidency. At lunch, Italy opened the discussion on Ethiopia and Eritrea. I, supported by most member states, observed that the moral low ground was alternating between the two countries and that we needed to act firmly now to help resolve the conflict. Belgium then argued for more assistance for Burundi. I said that we should back Nelson Mandela's efforts to facilitate the implementation of the Arusha Accords, including by holding a pledging conference, but added that it would be premature to consider budgetary assistance for Burundi at present. This line met with broad agreement. Denmark then underlined the importance of election monitoring in Zimbabwe. I noted that the land question was currently being used as a smokescreen for terror tactics against the opposition. The Council agreed that the UNDP exercise on land reform should not offer money which was additional to the offers of finance which had been on the table since 1998. I supported the call from Germany and the Netherlands for the Commission to speed up implementation of the European Development Fund contribution to the HIPC trust fund. Ireland introduced the issue of HIV/AIDS, which France said would be a priority for its Presidency. I noted that the cost of anti-retroviral drugs would remain prohibitive, even after the announcement by a major pharmaceutical company of a price reduction for developing countries. The Commission said that this issue would be addressed at the EU-US Summit in Lisbon. Under other business, the Presidency said that the outstanding differences between the Council and the European Parliament on the proposed environmental integration and tropical forest regulations would go to conciliation within the next few weeks. The Commission presented an information note on the Third UN Conference on Least Developed Countries in May 2001. Denmark presented a note on development aspects of the Sixth Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention on Climate Change in November.

Date

24 May 2000

Reference

123440; 350 c502-4W;350 c504-6W

House

House of Commons

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Statement on how he intends to spend the additional resources allocated to transport in the Budget; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Asked by

Jim Marshall (Labour)

Answering body

Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

22 March 2000

For answer on

24 March 2000

Answered on

24 March 2000

Mr. Jim Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he intends to spend the additional resources allocated to transport in the Budget; and if he will make a statement. [116355] Mr. Prescott: Following the announcement in the Budget of an extra £280 million for transport spending in the UK, I intend to make the following allocations in England: £15 million for preparatory work on the £500 million extensions to the Manchester Metrolink, in accordance with the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd) on 22 March 2000, Official Report, column 549W. £30 million as a contribution to the cost of extending the Docklands Light Railway to the City Airport, subject to statutory procedures. £65 million to enable London Underground to enhance provision for escalator work and customer services across the network and improve overall frequency and reliability on the Northern, Central, District and Jubilee lines. We are also reviewing the investment programme for the core Underground to ensure it represents best value. £14 million to abolish charges for bus passes for pensioners, so that they will not have to pay for a pass entitling them to bus travel at a maximum half fare under the provision in the Transport Bill. £5 million extra for 20 new innovative bus schemes in rural areas. £5 million to support child road safety education and information. £30 million for local authorities to spend on schemes for child safety and safe routes to school, and small scale improvements including bus priority measures. £3 million for preparatory work on four new road schemes (upgrading the A74 north of Carlisle to motorway standard, a bypass for Thorney on the A47 and dualling two sections of the A11 in Norfolk and Suffolk), subject to statutory procedures. £20 million for 80 new schemes for safety and congestion stress points and other improvements on the trunk road network. £16 million for a hold-up warning system to reduce accidents on our most congested sections of motorway. £25 million to fund the acceleration of six road schemes already being progressed in the Highways Agency's Targeted Programme of Improvements. £2 million for integrated transport projects applying new technology to public transport ticketing and improved traffic management in towns. £5 million for local authorities to improve telephone information for passengers on local transport services. £9 million to support the Powershift programme to promote cleaner fuel vehicles. £6 million for cleaning up existing diesel buses and taxis in cities.

Date

24 March 2000

Reference

116355; 346 c702-3W;346 c700-1W

House

House of Commons

Librarians' tools

Type

House

Session

Year

Department

Member

Primary member

Answering member

Legislative stage

Legislation

Subject

Publisher