European Committee,

Meeting date: Tuesday, May 16, 2000

Official Report 220KB pdf

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Convener's Report

I intend to take item 4 in private. I should have obtained members' agreement to that at the beginning of the meeting. Is that agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

I ask members to note the responses from the Scottish Executive to our report into objective 2 plans and our report into programme management executives.

Members will also note the correspondence received from Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, and, in particular, his agreement that we can invite someone over to talk to us about the drugs strategy. I hope that that will take place in mid-June.

I ask members to check their diaries and to get back to Stephen Imrie if they are interested in meeting a delegation from Norbotten and Westerbotten in Sweden on 25 May.

Finally, the Presiding Officer has referred to the committee an invitation from Clare Short MP, Secretary of State for International Development, to comment on the forthcoming second white paper on international development. I believe that Cathy Jamieson has further information that might be of help to members.

Yes. I noted from the letter that the time scale appears to be short. However, I understand from speaking to the relevant departments that discussions will continue over the summer and that they will be happy to receive a response from us if we indicate in writing that we wish to make comments.

I am looking for a volunteer to prepare something to bring back to the committee. Cathy, you obviously have some knowledge and interest in the matter. Are you willing to volunteer?

I have an interest and would be happy to volunteer, but I will not go to the wall if there is another willing volunteer.

Is that agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

That work must be done quickly, so thank you, Cathy.

I thank those who have participated in the meeting so far. We now move into private session.

Meeting continued in private until 15:22.