European Committee, 07 Dec 1999

Meeting date: Tuesday, December 7, 1999

Official Report 192KB pdf

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Scrutiny

The next item on the agenda is scrutiny of European documents. At the end of the meeting I will come back to discuss the documentation that is circulated for this item. For now, we will go through the recommended course of action for each numbered document. For each number, I will move that we approve the recommendation. If anyone has anything to say, they should let me know.

For document SP 468 (EC Ref No 12373/99 COM(99) 456 final) and document SP 481 (EC Ref No 12585/99 DROIPEN 18) we will request the Scottish cover note and the documents will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 482, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. Is that agreed?

There are timetabling issues on document SP 482. We should refer the document to the Rural Affairs Committee. The explanatory memorandum gives timetabling information on the proposal. Will that memorandum be discussed today?

The recommendation is to request the Scottish cover note and to consider the document at the next meeting.

We need to think about this today despite that recommendation. Paragraph 16 of the explanatory memorandum says that the proposals

"are expected to go to the November Fisheries Council."

It is too late for us to comment. That is why I wanted to flag up the timetabling issue. How did we get into this situation?

I will look into that while the committee continues with the scrutiny process and comment later.

Bruce, you also suggested sending the document to the Rural Affairs Committee.

That depends. We could do that if the proposals come before the next Fisheries Council in December, but it might not be worth while if the proposal has already been passed.

The proposal will have been passed.

We will approve the recommendation and Stephen will report back to the committee on the timetabling issue.

For document SP 524, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 525, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 513 (EC Ref No 12795/99 COM(99) 547 final) we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 470 (EC Ref No, 12031/99 COM(99) 486 final) we await the explanatory memorandum, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 484 (EC Ref No 12030/99 COM(99) 487 final), we await the explanatory memorandum, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 495 (EC Ref No 12458/99 COM(99) 544 final), we await the explanatory memorandum, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 498 (EC Ref No 12347/99 COM(99) 541 final), we await the explanatory memorandum, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 503 (EC Ref No 12350/99 COM(99) 551 final), we await the explanatory memorandum, we will group the document with document 498 and we will request the Scottish cover note. The document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 511 (EC Ref No 12349/99 COM(99) 552 final), we await the explanatory memorandum, we will group the document with document 498 and we will request the Scottish cover note. The document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 507 (EC Ref No 12656/99), we await the explanatory memorandum, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 514 (EC Ref No 13052/99 EURODA C 22), we await the explanatory memorandum, we will request the Scottish cover note and the document will be considered at the next meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 349 (EC Ref No 10251/99 SEC(99) 1213), we await the explanatory memorandum. Depending on its contents, we may refer the document to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee. That decision will be taken at a future meeting. That is agreed.

For document SP 393, we await a response from MEPs. Depending on the response, the committee may scrutinise the document at a future meeting. No action will be taken at this stage. That is agreed.

For document SP 417 (EC Ref No 11492/99 COM(99) 425 final), the clerks await feedback from the Executive on the implications for Scottish industry. No further action will be taken at this stage. That is agreed.

For document SP 488 (EC Ref No 12318/99 SEC(99) 1729), no further action will be taken, but a copy of the document will be sent to the Enterprise and Lifelong Committee. That is agreed.

For document SP 489 (EC Ref No 12392/99 COM(99) 536 final), no further action will be taken, but a copy of the document will be sent to the Rural Affairs Committee. That is agreed.

For document SP 505 (EC Ref No 12680/99 COM(99) 554 final), no further action will be taken, but a copy of the document will be sent to the Rural Affairs Committee. Is that agreed?

It says that the explanatory memorandum for document SP 505 has not yet been received. Are we waiting for documentation?

We have not received the memorandum, but the recommendation is that we send the documentation that we have to the Rural Affairs Committee and that this committee will take no further action.

I would like to read the memorandum. Forests are terribly important in Scotland. We are one of the only areas in Europe with undeveloped land that could be suitable for forestry.

Which is the relevant committee, the Rural Affairs Committee or us? If there is a legitimate interest in this, the Rural Affairs Committee is probably better.

There is not really a forestry policy in Europe, although it is continually discussed. Those discussions have failed because the interests of the states are all so different. We would want to know about this before it is finalised because we have a big forestry interest.

Where should forestry policy be considered? The suggestion is the Rural Affairs Committee.

Yes, but I would still like to read the document.

The clerk will arrange that and we will send the document to the Rural Affairs Committee for its attention. That is agreed.

For document SP 497 (EC Ref No 12442/99 COM(99) 519 final), the recommendation is for no further action but to send a copy to the Transport and the Environment Committee for its interest. That is agreed.

The committee recommended that no further action be taken on the following document:

SP 453 (EC Ref No 10844/1/99 REV.1)

Document SP 473 (EC Ref No 12090/99 COM(99) 485 COD 99/0208) sets out a timetable and criteria for promoting the European year of languages. It would be useful to look at the document or to refer it to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee to see how we in Scotland can obtain maximum benefit from that year. There will be significant funds for it.

Presumably this subject forms part of the remit of the group that we are forming to look at European training and education initiatives.

We will bring the document back as part of that remit but also send it to the Education, Culture and Sport committee for its interest. Is that agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

The committee recommended that no further action be taken on the following documents:

SP 350 (EC Ref No 10742/99 COM(99) 348 final)

SP 447 (EC Ref No 10525/99 COM(99) 429 final)

Document SP 447 is about the famous Atlantic salmon originating in Norway—it is a vital issue.

The decision has already been taken. The document is about an anti-dumping measure.

Too late, is it? The problem has been going on for 20 years and is never solved.

The committee recommended that no further action be taken on the following documents:

SP 483 (EC Ref No 11997/99 COM(99) 495)

SP 486 (EC Ref No 12256/99 COM(99) 497 final)

SP 487 (EC Ref No 12261/99 COM(99) 493 final)

SP 491 (EC Ref No 12380/99 CRIMORG 153)

SP 493 (EC Ref No 3623/99 PE-CONS SOC 351 CODEC 579)

I presume that there is no further action on SP 491, but I am interested in

"practical measures towards combating criminal action",

if we are talking about the fact that plans for the enlargement of the EU are being undermined by Mafia gangs that are moving west.

If there is any background information, it should be given to Margo.

On document SP 493, I notice that our information from the legal adviser was that, although health and safety at work is a reserved matter, we might want to ask the Scottish Executive about whether the directive has relevant implications. The document refers to

"improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres".

We might want to get more information on that. It was a helpful note.

That might apply to ourselves.

We could ask the Scottish Executive for an indication and reconsider the matter at the next meeting. Thank you, Cathy.

For document SP 496 (EC Ref No 12456/99 COM(99) 468 final), the recommendation is that no further action be taken. That is agreed.

This is an interesting item. I know that we do not have time to go into detail on every document, but this is the Community supposedly at its best in the area of humanitarian action.

Would you like some background information on that?

Yes please.

I shall ask the clerks to provide further information on that document.

The committee recommended that no further action be taken on the following documents:

SP 500 (EC Ref No 12187/99 COM(99) 498 final)

SP 501 (EC Ref No 12303/99 COM(99) 518 final)

SP 502 (EC Ref No 12348/99 COM(99) 550 final)

SP 504 (EC Ref No 12657/99 COM(99) 549 final)

SP 508 (EC Ref No 12742/99 COM(99) 496 final CNS 99/0203)

SP 509 (EC Ref No 12751/99 UD 118 CODEC 665)

SP 510 (EC Ref No 0212/98)

SP 512 (EC Ref No 12501/99 COM(99) 556 final)

SP 515 (EC Ref No 12094/99 COM(99) 535 final)

For document SP 516 (EC Ref No 12553/99 STUP 22), the recommendation is that no further action be taken. Is that agreed?

Should we not send document SP 516 to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee, as it concerns drugs? It may have implications, particularly in terms of the European convention on human rights.

We shall send it to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee for interest. That is agreed.

The committee recommended that no further action be taken on the following documents:

SP 517 (EC Ref No 12805/99 COM(99) 548 final)

SP 518 (EC Ref No 12947/99 COM(99) 561 final)

SP 519 (EC Ref No 12958/99 COM(99) 558 final)

If members want to see paperwork about those documents, they should speak to Stephen Imrie at the end of the meeting.

I would like a copy of document SP 510.

The clerk can supply you with one after the meeting.

The committee recommended that no further action be taken on the following documents:

SP 523 (EC Ref No 12422/99 PESC 382 COWEB 139)

SP 526 (EC Ref No 12060/99 COM(99) 501 final)

SP 527 (EC Ref No 12061/99 COM(99) 502 final)

SP 528 (EC Ref No 12063/99 COM(99) 504 final)

SP 529 (EC Ref No 12154/99 COM(99) 513 final)

SP 530 (EC Ref No 12188/99 COM(99) 521 final)

SP 531 (EC Ref No 12189/99 COM(99) 522 final)

SP 532 (EC Ref No 12190/99 COM(99) 523 final)

SP 533 (EC Ref No 12191/99 COM(99) 524 final)

SP 534 (EC Ref No 12192/99 COM(99) 525 final)

SP 535 (EC Ref No 12193/99 COM(99) 526 final)

SP 536 (EC Ref No 12194/99 COM(99) 527 final)

SP 537 (EC Ref No 12195/99 COM(99) 528 final)

SP 538 (EC Ref No 12196/99 COM(99) 529 final)

SP 539 (EC Ref No 12197/99 COM(99) 530 final)

SP 540 (EC Ref No 12198/99 COM(99) 531 final)

SP 541 (EC Ref No 12199/99 COM(99) 532 final)

SP 485 (EC Ref No 12071/99 PESC 365 COSCE 8)

SP 490 (EC Ref No 12507/99 PESC 387 COASI 33 CODUN 21)

SP 499 (EC Ref No 12505/99 PESC 385 COASI 31)

SP 521 (EC Ref No 12358 PESC 377 COAFR 27)

SP 522 (EC Ref No 12368/99 PESC 378 COAFR 28)

SP 492 (EC Ref No 94231/99 REV1 CRIMORG 80)

SP 494 (EC Ref No 12867/99 COPEN 56)

SP 506 (EC Ref No 10097/99 EUROPOL 35)

SP 520 (EC Ref No 10098/99 EUROPOL 36)

At the end of the meeting, we will return to a discussion of those documents. We will also ask Stephen Imrie to report back on the view of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee on document SP 317 (EC Ref No 10541/99, COM(99) 352 final 99/0152 (COD)).

I would like to point out an error in the notes by the legal adviser on document SP 473 on the European year of languages. It says quite clearly on the front that there would be 50 per cent co-financing. However, on page 18, there is a list of a number of measures that will be financed 100 per cent from the Community budget. That error put one or two members off looking at that document in more detail, but the annexe on page 18 shows the true picture.

Thank you. That will be corrected.

I advise the committee that we sent to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee document SP 317 on a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending Council Directive 91/308/EEC covering the financial system for the purpose of money laundering. That committee has considered and noted the document, but does not have any further comments to bring to the attention of the European Committee.

Is it agreed that we should recommend no further action for that document?

Members indicated agreement.

Stephen Imrie wants to come back to the document that Bruce Crawford queried.

I advise the member that we have received document SP 482 only recently. As he correctly indicated, the matter has already been considered in the November Fisheries Council. If the committee is agreeable, I shall investigate why we received that document at such a late stage that we were unable to discuss it.

Thank you.