We also worked to ensure that in the debate on the European constitution the regional dimension was understood and recognised within the European Union, which was of particular importance.I was involved in the collective planning of the arrangements for the conference, but I would not claim any direct involvement, for the simple reason that on the first day I was in Brussels meeting the internal market commissioner to discuss deregulation, not least in respect of the financial services industry, and on the second day—St Andrew's day—I was in Paris to sign an education co-operation agreement with the French Government and to attend a St Andrew's day reception...