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PRIME MINISTER

Galileo

Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the military applications of Galileo; and what discussions he has had on this subject. [57900]

The Prime Minister: Galileo is a civil programme under civil control. European Transport Ministers reaffirmed this when giving the go-ahead for the development phase of the programme on 26 March.

Referendums

Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Prime Minister if (1) he will make a statement on his policy towards the role of Whitehall officials in referendum campaigns; [57918]

(2) if he will make it his policy not to increase the budget to departmental information campaigns in the run-up to a referendum on UK participation in the single currency; and if he will make a statement. [57916]

The Prime Minister: Civil servants' involvement and expenditure on departmental information activities in referendum campaigns would be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

Unpaid Advisers

Mr. Beith: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 25 March 2002, Official Report, column 620W, what the (a) names and (b) responsibilities are of unpaid advisers who have assisted the work of his Department since June 1997 but are not included in (i) the Cabinet Office's annual report "Task Forces, Ad Hoc Advisory Groups and Reviews 2000–01" and (ii) his previous answer. [57038]

The Prime Minister: I have made no other appointments than those listed in my answer of 25 March to the right hon. Gentleman.

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Czech Republic

Mr. Cousins: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 25 April 2002, Official Report, column 429W, on the Czech Republic, whether he discussed the proposed offset deal with the Czech Prime Minister. [58173]

The Prime Minister: Yes. The Czech Prime Minister did raise the issue of offset arrangements during my visit of 8 April.

Mr. Cousins: To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 25 April 2002, Official Report, column 429W, on the Czech Republic, how many jobs in the United Kingdom would be protected and created if the bid by Gripen International to sell fighter/trainer aircraft to the Czech Air Force goes ahead. [58170]

The Prime Minister: If the contract worth around £250 million to the UK, is successfully completed it will directly benefit the company which will help to secure British jobs and strengthen the British economy. The UK defence industry is highly successful, employing around 180,000 directly and 160,000 in associated industries.

European Treaties (France)

Mr. Gale: To ask the Prime Minister if he will have discussions with France on their adherence to the European treaties that require the free movement of goods between member countries of the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [57599]

The Prime Minister: Government Ministers, including myself, have made representations to France on the problems affecting the free movement of goods through the channel tunnel. We remain in close contact with the French Government about the action that is required to enable normal rail freight to resume.

The Commission has also invoked the Free Movement of Goods Regulation in this case and we are following this closely.

Devolved Assemblies (Voting Systems)

Mr. Laws: To ask the Prime Minister when he intends to carry out a review of the voting systems used to elect the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly; and if he will make a statement. [56230]

The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on Tuesday 3 July 2001, Official Report, column 93W.

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TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Data Protection

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place in the Library copies of each version of the internal guidance which have been drawn up by her Department since 1 January 1999 to assist staff in her Department to answer subject access requests under the Data Protection Act 1998. [53376]

Ms Hewitt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department gave to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) on 25 April 2002, Official Report, column 446W. Additionally, I am placing in the Libraries of the House an extract referring to subject access requests that appears in my Department's internal guidance on the Data Protection Act 1998.

Committee Mandates

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on Common Rules for Exports of Products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55346]

Ms Hewitt: The Advisory Committee on Common Rules for Exports of Products is established under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2603/69 for the purpose of consultation between member states and the Commission on any requests for taking protective measures on exports, to examine the effects of any such measures that may be taken, and on their amendment or termination. Its only activity in recent years has been to exercise surveillance of market trends as regards the export of copper scrap to certain third countries—for which it last met, briefly, on 8 May 2001—with UK representation by a DTI official. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds on the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on the Specific Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration on Promotion of Innovation and Participation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55354]

Ms Hewitt: The Committee on the Scientific Programme for Research, Technologic Development and Demonstration (RTD) on the promotion of Innovation and Participation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises is one of seven comitology committees established in relation to the management of the EU 5th Framework programme.

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It has met on five occasions over the last 12 months: on 16 May 2001, 4 July 2001, 26 September 2001, 21 November 2001 and 6 March 2002.

Officials from the Office of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry provide the UK representation.

The UK usually sends one delegate to meetings of this committee, which are held in Luxembourg. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. paItems under consideration concern the ongoing implementation of the Framework 5 Innovation/SME programme, in particular the third call for innovation projects and the appraisal of Innovation Relay Centres' performance across the EU.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".

Following Council Decision 1999/468/EC, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final).

As part of the review process, the Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be made accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on the Directive on Names and Labelling of Textile Products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55370]

Ms Hewitt: This committee was created under Article 5 of directive 96/73/EC on certain methods for the quantitative analysis of binary textile fibre mixtures (OJ L32, 3.2.97, p.1). The committee is convened periodically to consider adaptations to technical progress of testing methods for fibre mixtures and additions and to the table of textile fibres and the list of agreed allowances used to calculate the mass of fibre contained in a textile product in annexes 1 and 2 respectively of directive 97/74/EC on textile names (OJ L32, 3.2.97, p.38). The committee last met in 1996. UK representation consists of one official from my Department. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. The Commission reimburses the travelling costs of national representatives. There are no items currently being considered by the committee. However, a technical expert working group on textile labelling met recently to consider the application by two textile fibre manufacturers for the addition of two new fibres to the aforementioned annexe 1.

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Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".

As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of House on 26 February (COM(2001)783 Final).

As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Measuring Instruments and Methods of Metrological Control is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55213]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of the committee is to consider changes needed to a number of directives on measuring instruments adopted subsequent to Council directive 71/316/EEC to bring them into line with technical developments. The committee has not met for many years. Consequently it has not been necessary to designate a UK representative, and there has been no cost to public funds.

Together with member states the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".

As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 28 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final).

As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of the directive on the removal of technical barriers to trade in electric materials used in an explosive atmosphere is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55374]

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Ms Hewitt: It is my understanding that the hon. Member is referring to the Committee on the adaptation to technical progress set up under Article 6 of directive 76/117/EEC on the approximation of laws of the member states concerning electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. This committee has not met for several years because directive 76/117/EEC is being superseded by directive 94/9/EC and will be repealed on 1 July 2003 when directive 94/9/EC comes fully into force.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on Defence against Obstacles to Trade which Affect the Market of the Community or a Non-member Country is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55399]

Ms Hewitt: The Committee on Defence against Obstacle to Trade is established under Council regulation (EC) No. 3286/94, for the purposes of consultations between member states and the Commission on complaints by Community enterprises, industries or individual member states of alleged breach of international trade rules by a third country resulting in adverse trade effects. As appropriate, the committee also considers the results of investigations which the Commission may undertake in relation to such complaints and any follow-up action it may propose to take with the country concerned. As provided for in the regulation, details of both the opening of any such investigations and of any commercial policy measures that may eventually be taken are published in the Community's Official Journal.

The committee has met on four occasions since 1 May 2001: representation is by a DTI official. It is not possible to calculate the annual cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council decision 1999/268/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the Houses on 26 February (COM (2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Cosmetics is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55217]

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Ms Hewitt: The Committee on the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directives on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in the Cosmetic Sector (CATP) was set up to deliver opinions on draft proposals relating to the safety of cosmetics put forward by the Commission. It also considers other issues submitted for information or an exchange of views. The CATP consists of representatives of member states with a representative of the Commission as chairman. The UK is represented at meetings by officials from the Consumer and Competition Policy Directorate of DTI. The CATP has met once in the past 12 months. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost. The main focus of the Committee's work of late has been consideration of the 26th Adaptation of the Cosmetics Directive in relation to ingredients which can/cannot be used in cosmetics.

Together with member States, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to 'simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission'.

As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of House on 26 February (COM(2001)783Final).

As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Standing Committee for the Approximation of the Laws of the Member States Concerning Pressure Equipment is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55362]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of the Standing Committee is contained in Article 7.2 of the Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC. The provisions of this Article have not yet been put into effect so the committee has never met.

An informal 'Working Group on Pressure' has been convened, however, under the auspices of Article 17 of the Directive. The Commission chairs these meetings with a view, among other things, to developing guidelines in order to ensure that there is uniform interpretation of these measures throughout the European Union and also to ensure that any technical barriers to trade within the Single Market are removed. In the last 12 months this Committee has met on four occasions. Representation from the United Kingdom is led by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry with a technical expert from the Health and Safety Executive to provide technical advice. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

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Items under consideration vary between meetings but usually include issues of standardisation in the field of pressure equipment and specific issues of interpretation of the Directive. As this is only an advisory committee without decision making power its work is handled at official level. My officials do, however, publish a record of each meeting which is available to any interested party inside and outside government upon application to officials in my Department and is also posted on our web-site.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on Common Rules for Imports of Products from Third Countries is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55348]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of this Committee is to cover, when necessary, in particular the terms and conditions of imports, import trends and the various aspects of the economic and commercial situation of specific products, and to discuss any required safeguards measures. It has met three times in the last four months to discuss the United States steel safeguards measures and the European Community response. This was the first time it had been convened in the last five years. A Department of Trade and Industry official represents the UK. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. The Committee is currently continuing its consideration of the United States steel safeguards and the European Community response. Any European Community legislation resulting from this Committee is already subject to the Parliamentary scrutiny procedures.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February COM(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

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Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee for Implementation of the Community Market Access Strategy is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55396]

Ms Hewitt: The Advisory Committee for the Implementation of the Community Market Access Strategy is established under Council Decision (98/552/EC) for consultation among members states and the Commission to assist the Commission in its activities to implement the Council's market access strategy. It has met once in the last 12 months, with UK representation by a DTI official. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

Details of the Market Access Strategy, including how to access the EU Market Access Data Base, a key component of the Strategy and which the Commission are as a present priority endeavouring to make a more effective and more user friendly tool for traders, are available on-line at http://europa.eu.int/comm./trade/ mkaccess/indexen.htm.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/268/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on Conformity Assessment and Surveillance of the Telecommunications Market is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55356]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of the Telecommunication Conformity Assessment and Market Surveillance Committee (TCAM) is contained in Articles 13, 14 and 15 of Directive 95/5/EC, The Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) Directive. In particular, the Committee shall be consulted on matters covered by specified Articles of the Directive and shall express its opinion on draft measures submitted by the Commission. The Committee has met three times during the last 12 months. Items currently under consideration include the relation of the RTTE Directive with the Medical Devices Directive; coverage by the Directive of equipment containing an RTTE component; and market surveillance.

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The UK representation on the Committee comprises officials from the Department of Trade and Industry and OFTEL, and a technical expert. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on Common Rules for Imports of Products from Certain Third Countries is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55400]

Ms Hewitt: This Committee meets, when required, as part of the "Commercial Questions Group". Its mandate is to manage the policy on the EC's licensing control regimes for the import of non-textile products from non-market economies. The Group as a whole has met six times over the last year. A Department of Trade and Industry official represents the UK. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost. This Committee is currently considering the on-going EC policy on imports. Any EC legislation resulting from these Committees is already subject to the Parliamentary scrutiny procedures.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Standing Committee for the Approximation of the Laws of the Member States Relating to Lifts is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will

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list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55360]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of the Standing Committee is contained in Article 6.3 of the Lifts Directive 95/16/EC. In essence it is convened to consider matters of interpretation which are brought to its attention by member states. It has, however, only met in its capacity as an advisory committee. Officials of the European Commission chair these meetings with a view to providing advice based on consensus in order to ensure that there is uniform interpretation of these measures throughout the European Union and also to ensure that any technical barriers to trade within the Single Market are removed. In the last 12 months this Committee has met twice. Representation from the United Kingdom is led by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry with a technical expert from the Health and Safety Committee to provide technical advice. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost. paItems under consideration vary between meetings but usually include issues of standardisation and interpretation.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this

Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Quota Administration Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55347]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of this Committee is to manage the EC import licensing control system under the EC's Chinese non-textile imports regime. It has met twice over the last year. A Department of Trade and Industry official represents the UK. It is not possible to calculate the cost of its work to public funds without incurring disproportionate cost. This Committee is currently considering the management of the licensing regime for imports of certain Chinese non-textile products for 2003. Any EC legislation resulting from these committees is already subject to the parliamentary scrutiny procedures.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers

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conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Standing Committee on the Approximation of the Laws of the Member States Relating to Machinery is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55368]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of the Standing Committee is contained in Article 6.2 of the Machinery Directive 98/37/EC. It has, however, only met as an advisory committee. In essence it is convened to consider matters of interpretation which are brought to its attention by member states. The Commission chairs these meetings and delivers an opinion in order to ensure that there is uniform interpretation of the Directive throughout the European Union and also to ensure that any technical barriers to trade within the single market are removed. In the last 12 months this Committee has met twice. Representation from the United Kingdom is led by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry with a technical expert from the Health and Safety Executive to provide technical advice. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

Items under consideration vary between meetings but usually include issues of standardisation in the field of machinery and specific issues of interpretation of the Directive. My officials publish a record of each meeting which is available to any interested party inside and outside Government on request.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on Standardisation in the Field of Information Technology (SOGITS) is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55359]

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Ms Hewitt: The mandate establishing SOGITS was set out in Council Decision 87/95/EEC of 22 December 1986. The Committee has not met for over two years and there are no issues under consideration at present. Discussions are currently taking place to reactivate this committee.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".

As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final).

As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on Implementation of the Multi-annual Programme for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in particular, for small and medium-sized enterprises is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55353]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of the Enterprise Programme Management Committee is to assist the European Commission in carrying out the measures and actions necessary for the implementation of the Multi-annual Programme for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, in particular for SMEs. The work of the Committee includes agreeing the annual work programme and corresponding budget allocations, the criteria and content of invitations to tender exceeding Euro 100,000, and the performance indicators for evaluating the actions needed to achieve the programme's objectives.

The Committee meets four times each year for the duration of the programme. The UK is represented by an official from the European section of the Small Business Service. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

At its last meeting, the Committee looked at:

progress on the implementation of the work programme for 2001;


budgetary issues related to individual programme projects;


amendments to the work programme for 2002, in particular three new priority projects on environmental management systems, improved institutions for technology transfer to enterprises, and restructuring bankruptcy and a fresh start;


the opening of the programme to candidate countries.

The UK supports fully the purpose of the Multi-annual Programme for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship which aims to enhance growth and competitiveness, promote entrepreneurship, improve the regulatory and administrative framework, improve the financial environment for SMEs

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and provide easier access to Community support services. The programme is based on targeted financial measures and well-focused projects underpinned by the principle of exchange of good practice. It has the potential to help deliver some of the key aims of the European Small Firms Charter, the central plank for the development of enterprise policy in the European Union.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of the committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the directive on the removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Protective Equipment and Systems for Use in Explosive Atmospheres is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55375]

Ms Hewitt: I understand that the hon. Member is referring to the Standing Committee set up under Article 6 of directive 94/9/EC on the approximation of the laws of the member states concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The mandate of the Standing Committee is contained in Article 6 of that directive. It is an advisory committee, which aims to provide advice based on consensus to facilitate a common interpretation of the directive throughout the European Union. Officials of the European Commission chair these meetings. During the last 12 months this Committee has met twice. Representation from the United Kingdom is led by officials from the Department for Trade and Industry, with a technical expert from the Health and Safety Executive.

It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost. Items under consideration vary from meeting to meeting, but include issues of interpretation and technical standardisation. Current issues include questions of scope and detailed application of the technical requirements of the directive.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the

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Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Harmonisation of Credit and Insurance Provisions for Transactions with Medium and Long-term Cover is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55393]

Ms Hewitt: The Committee for the Harmonisation of the Main Provisions concerning Export Credit Insurance for Transactions with Medium and Long-term Cover is a comitology committee covering the work of the European Council Working Group on Export Credits.

Comitology procedures only exist for a very limited number of issues, and the Committee has had no reason to meet in the past 12 months.

If a meeting of the Committee was convened, the UK would be represented by our delegation to the Council Working Group comprising officials (usually numbering three) from the Export Credits Guarantee Department. The Council Working Group meets on a monthly basis with no meeting in August. Meetings last one or two days. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

The purpose of the Working Group is to develop policies within the EU which achieve a more level playing field on which all of our exporters can compete for business. The framework for these discussions is provided by the OECD arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits, which constitutes the major body of international rules governing export credits for project exports.

The UK delegation reports back after each Working Group meeting with a note which is circulated widely within ECGD and around other interested Government Departments. Progress against ECGD's international objectives is regularly reported to the Export Guarantees Advisory Council and summarised in ECGD's annual report.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Standing Committee on Technical Rules and Standards including Rules Relating to Information Society Services is; how many

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times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55365]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of the Committee is contained in Articles 5 and 6 of directive 98/34/EC, as amended (the technical standards and regulation directive). In particular, the Committee shall express its opinion on the communications and proposals submitted to it by the Commission and must be consulted, for example, when the Commission is reviewing the operation of the system set up by the directive. The Committee has met three times during the last 12 months. On two occasions it met for part of the meeting in a specific composition to examine questions relating to information society services and twice it met with representatives of the European and national standards bodies in accordance with provisions of Article 6 of the technical standards and regulations directive. The United Kingdom representation on the Committee comprises officials from my Department and representatives of the British Standards Institution attend when the Committee meets with national standards bodies. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

The Committee regularly considers notifications by member states of draft technical regulations and proposals from the Commission to request the European standards institutions to draw up a European standard within a given time limit. Current issues also include:

(a) the introduction of a new technical regulations information system for communications between the Commission and member states;

(b) the possible participation of candidate countries in the technical regulations notification procedure;

(c) the confidentiality of detailed opinions made by the Commission or member states;

(d) initial discussions on a possible extension of the notification requirements to services other than information society services;

(e) formal objections from The Netherlands and the United Kingdom in respect of standards relating to gas appliances;

(f) progress of work relating to standards mandated in support of directives;

(g) follow-up of the Council resolution of 28 October 1999 on the role of standardisation in Europe.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

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Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Aerosol Dispensers is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55379]

Ms Hewitt: The Committee on the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the Removal of Technical Barriers to trade in Aerosol Dispensers was set up to deliver opinions on draft proposals relating to the safety of Aerosol Dispensers put forward by the Commission. The UK is represented at meetings by officials from the Consumer and Competition Policy Directorate of DTI. The Committee has not met in the last 12 months. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

The main focus of the Committee's work of late has been consideration of appropriate test methodologies to assess the flammability of products expelled from aerosol dispensers.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to 'simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission'.

As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final).

As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee for the technical adaptation of the community procedure to improve the transparency of gas and electricity prices charged to industrial end-users is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55648]

Ms Hewitt: The Advisory Committee for the technical Adaptation of the community procedure to improve the transparency of gas and electricity prices charged to industrial end-users was set up to assist the Commission should any changes be made to the Annexes of the Directive (90/377/EEC), which deal with the methodology. This Committee has not met since 1996. Should the Committee meet in the near future it is envisaged that DTI officials would represent the UK.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line

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with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".

As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final).

As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the harmonisation of national measures on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by household appliances is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55646]

Mr. Meacher: I have been asked to reply.

Council Directive 92/75/EEC on the Indication by Labelling and Standard Product Information of the Consumption of Energy and Other Resources by Household Appliances is intended to enable the harmonization of national measures on the publication, particularly by means of labelling and of product information, of information on the consumption of energy and of other essential resources, and additional information concerning certain types of household appliances, thereby allowing consumers to choose more energy-efficient appliances. A Committee composed of representatives of member states and chaired by the Commission has been established to assist the Commission in the delivery of the requirements of this Directive.

The Committee has met four times in the last 12 months. The UK is formally represented on the Committee by officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The cost of attending this Committee over the last 12 months was approximately £3,000.

The main issues currently being considered by this Committee are the up-rating of energy labels for domestic cold appliances, a draft proposal for a Framework Directive on Minimum Energy Efficiency Requirements for End-use Equipment, the energy labelling of televisions and the review of Directive 92/75/EEC.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001) 783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the

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Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on the labelling of household appliances is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55649]

Mr. Meacher: I have been asked to reply.

There is no committee with responsibility for all the labelling issues which might arise in connection with household appliances. There is however a committee which is concerned with "the harmonisation of national measures on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by household appliances

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Agricultural and Forestry Tractors is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55210]

Mr. Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.

The mandate of the Committee is set out in Articles 11 to 13 of Framework Directive 74/150/EEC, which, together with separate directives on components and systems, deals with the type approval of Agricultural and Forestry Tractors. The Committee's function is to deliver prompt adjustment, reflecting technical progress, of the technical requirements in the annexes to the Framework Directive and, unless otherwise provided for, to the provisions of the separate component and system directives. It has not met in the last 12 months. The UK representation is normally by officials of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. The annual cost to public funds would be restricted to staff time, their travel and subsistence costs.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government has encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the

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Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Explosives for Civilian Uses is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55378]

Dr. Whitehead: I have been asked to reply.

The remit of this committee is set out in Article 13 of Council Directive 93/15/EEC (harmonization of the provisions relating to the placing on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses). This says that:

"The Committee shall examine any matter concerning the application of this Directive raised by its chairman either on his own initiative or at the request of a representative of a member state."

The Committee has met once in the last 12 months, in December 2001. The UK representatives at the meeting were the Health and Safety Executive's Head of Mines, Quarries and Explosives Safety Policy Section and the Head of the GB Explosives Notified Body.

The secretariat is provided by the European Commission, which also pays a proportion of travel expenses. The costs to UK public funds are therefore the balance of the travel costs and the accommodation costs for the staff attending (less than £830 in total) and their salary costs.

The Committee is currently considering a number of issues where there are differing interpretations of the application of the Directive. These include the on-site mixing of explosives, the definition of pyrotechnics and the acceptability of manufacturer's test data.

HSE would seek to ensure that there was consultation on any proposals to amend the requirements of the Directive. Any changes which required new regulations, or amendments to regulations, would be subject to formal consultation and then approval by the Health and Safety Commission and by Ministers. The draft regulations would ultimately be laid before Parliament.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the Adaptation to Technical Progress of the Directive on the Removal of Technical Barriers to Trade in Motor Vehicles and their Trailers is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55211]

Mr. Jamieson: I have been asked to reply.

The mandate of the committee is set out in Article 13 of Framework Directive 70/156/EEC, which, together with separate directives on components and systems, deals with the type approval of motor vehicles and their trailers. The committee's function is to deliver prompt adjustment, reflecting technical progress, of the technical requirements in the annexes to the Framework Directive and, unless otherwise provided for, to the provisions of the separate component and system directives.

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Since 1 May 2001, the committee has met four times. Officials from the Department's Vehicle Standards and Engineering Division represent the UK. The annual cost to public funds varies depending on the matters under consideration but is of the order of £5,000.

The next meeting of the committee is due to consider:

the EC's position concerning the adaptation to technical progress of several United Nations Economic Commission for Europe regulations on vehicle standards;


a Commission directive adapting to technical progress Council Directive 70/220/EEC relating to measures to be taken against air pollution by emissions from motor vehicles; and


a Commission directive adapting to technical progress Council Directive 97/27/EC relating to the masses and dimensions of certain categories of motor vehicles and their trailers.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February 2002 (Com (2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Standing Committee on the Approximation of the Laws Relating to Construction Products is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55367]

Dr. Whitehead: I have been asked to reply.

The mandate of the Standing Committee on Construction (SCC) is to remove technical barriers to trade in construction products between member states in the European Economic Area (EEA). It has met three times in the last 12 months. The UK delegation to it consists of two Government officials from my Department and a representative from the UK construction industry. The costs for the attendance by the two Government officials to the two-day meetings in Brussels are approximately £3,000. The committee has an extensive work programme for the year 2002 to progress the internal market for construction products through CE marking. Among the items under consideration are:

Implementation of the CPD through agreeing technical specifications, notified bodies to carry out attestation procedures and market surveillance.


Enlargement including PECA-CPD implementation.


Competitiveness related issues.


Eurocodes.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line

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with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".

As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February (Commission Document 5685/02).

As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee for the implementation of the multi-annual Community programme to stimulate the establishment of the information society in Europe is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56733]

Ms Hewitt: The programme was originally known as STIMULIS (STIMULating the Information Society) but adopted the name PROMISE (PROMoting the Information Society in Europe) subsequently. The mandate of the Information Society Committee (also known as the PROMISE Management Committee) is to ensure that the European Commission implements the programme according to the requirements agreed with the Council and set out in Council Decision 98/253/EC of 30 March 1998. Essentially, this involves the approval of the annual work programme and the content of any Calls for Proposals, providing financial support of euro 200,000 (£125,000) or more to proposals, the terms of reference for external assessment and by budgetary adjustments between different parts of the programme. The committee has met twice over the past 12 months. The UK is normally represented by one DTI official.

It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

The items under consideration include the results of the benchmarking activities related to the eEurope initiative, identifying and disseminating best practice on Information Society activities, the allocation of the budget, an analysis of the result of the programme to date and approval of the 2002 work programme.

The programme was the subject of two Explanatory Memorandums; No. 12934/96 submitted by the DTI on 3 February 1997 covered the original proposal and No. 11421/97 covered the revised proposal. The programme underwent a mid-term review which was the subject of a further unsigned explanatory memorandum No. 10557–01 of 13 September 2001. The programme was then refocused towards eEurope activities, principally the benchmarking of national activities.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line

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with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission".

As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783Final).

As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Accounting Directives Contact Committee is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56768]

Ms Hewitt: The Accounting Directives Contact Committee is mandated by European accounting directives to:

(a) facilitate, without prejudice to the provisions of articles 169 and 170 of the treaty, harmonised application of the directives through regular meetings dealing in particular with practical problems arising in connection with their application;

(b) advise the Commission, if necessary, on additions or amendments to the directives.

The committee is currently considering modernisation of the European accounting directives and their alignment with international accounting standards, and related issues.

The committee's role is merely advisory. Any proposals arising from its advice would be taken forward by the European Commission itself.

The committee has met twice over the last 12 months. The UK is normally represented by two officials from the Department's Company Law and Investigations Directorate and a departmental lawyer. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on checks for conformity with the rules on product safety in the case of products imported from third countries is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [56751]

Ms Hewitt: The mandate of the committee under Regulation (EEC) 339/93 is to assist the Commission by giving its opinion on measures adopted by the Commission in accordance with Article 9 of the regulation. The purpose of the regulation is to reduce the risk of unsafe products from third countries entering into free circulation in the Community.

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The committee has not met in the last 12 months. The UK is represented on the committee by the Department of Trade and Industry and by Customs and Excise. It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the committee without incurring disproportionate cost.

Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC to "simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission". As an obligation to this decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 26 February 2002 (COM(2001)783 Final). As part of this review, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agenda and recent actions, to be accessible through its website.

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