Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 15 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 December 2005. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Thursday, 19 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

EU Committees

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many meetings of the EU (a) management committees of the common organisation of agricultural markets for poultrymeat and eggs, (b) management committees of the common organisation of agricultural markets for fresh fruit and vegetables and (c) management committees of the common organisation of agricultural markets for products processed from fruit and vegetables have taken place during the UK presidency of the EU; who presided over each meeting; which other UK representatives were present; what provision was made for representation of the devolved governments; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The Eggs and Poultrymeat Management Committee met during the UK presidency on 13 July, 20 September, 19 October, 16 November and 7 December 2005. Meetings were chaired by European Commission officials. The UK was represented by one official from DEFRA. The devolved authorities were consulted on agenda items prior to each meeting, and receive reports and papers shortly after each meeting.Meetings of the Management Committee for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables were held on 12 July, 13 September, 18 October, 22 November and 13 December. The Management Committee for Processed Fruit and Vegetables also met on all of these dates with the exception of 13 December. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Management Committee also met in the margins of the Wine Management Committee on 7 July and in the margins of the Cereals Management Committee on 25 August. All meetings were held in Brussels, chaired by officials of the European Commission and attended by DEFRA officials.The UK Government take into account the views and interests of the devolved administrations when formulating the UK's policy position on all EU and international issues which touch upon devolved matters. Provision for attendance at EU meetings by Ministers and officials of the devolved administrations is set out in paragraphs 4.12–15 of the Concordat on Co-ordination of European Union Policy Issues (part of the Memorandum of Understanding between devolved Ministers and the UK Government).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 39002; 441 c1464W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Committees Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Government departments EU action
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk