European Committee, 14 Jan 2003
Meeting date: Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Official Report
209KB pdf
Scottish Executive (Scrutiny)
I note with regret that not all documents have been provided on time, especially the pre-council briefings. However, I understand from the clerks that one reason for the delay relates to the Greek presidency finalising agendas. One office—the fisheries group—was able to take the initiative and send us material in anticipation of a likely agenda. The committee will warmly welcome and commend that initiative. I will ask the clerk to contact the officials in the Executive to see what can be done in relation to the other matters.
We turn to the recommendations. The pre-council briefing on the economic and financial affairs council—ECOFIN—was late, and there is a footnote about the difficulties that I mentioned in relation to the Greek presidency.
On the agriculture and fisheries council, as I said, we shall ask the Executive to keep the committee informed of discussions about the cod recovery measures and the mid-term review of the common agricultural policy. Do members agree?
Members indicated agreement.
On the general and external affairs council, we also had difficulties that relate to the Greek presidency.
We turn to post-council briefings. The recommendation is to note the briefings on the general and external affairs council, the environment council and the justice and home affairs council. The briefing on ECOFIN was late. Members will recall that there is illness in the department—we have had some difficulties there. However, I know that the clerks are chasing the matter up.
On the agriculture and fisheries councils of 27 to 29 November and 16 to 20 December, the recommendation is to note the briefings. However, information was not provided in accordance with the agreed schedule. The clerk informs me that we are being written to separately on that. Are members happy to note the information that we have in relation to those agendas?
Members indicated agreement.