Letter to the Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs, from the Chairman of the Committee
EVIDENCE ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE
As you know, the Foreign Affairs Committee has
since February been seeking to hear oral evidence on the Future
of Europe debate, preferably from yourself but failing that from
the Minister for Europe. We have consistently requested an early
date for this evidence, so that Parliament could be better informed
on the Government's approach to the discussions taking place and
so that Ministers could hear the views of the Committee.
You made it clear at an early stage that you
did not feel it would be appropriate for you to give evidence
on the Future of Europe debate in May, in addition to giving evidence
immediately before the June European Council. Reluctantly, the
Committee accepted this and decided to invite the Minister for
Europe to give evidence on the Future of Europe at an earlier
date instead.
Initially, Geoff Hoon responded positively to
this request and two possible dates in May were identified. However,
on 8 May I had to write to Geoff, when it became apparent that
he was no longer prepared to offer a date in May. The dates he
did offer in June either coincided with the Committee's visit
to Russia or were within seven days of your own appearance before
the Committee. It is the strong view of the Committee that an
evidence session in June is too late. By then, decisions concerning
the approach to be followed by government Ministers and officials
will effectively have been taken and the opportunity for Parliament
to influence the debate will have passed.
The Committee regards the refusal of the FCO
to provide a Minister to give oral evidence during this crucial
phase of the discussions on the future of Europe as a failure
of accountability to Parliament.
I have therefore been asked to write to you
to express the deep concern of the Committee.
I look forward to your response.
Mike Gapes MP
30 May 2007
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