To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration has been given by the Council of Ministers of the European Economic Community to attendance by Ministers or officials of the Governments of member states at any meeting of the European Parliament or its committees; and if he will make a statement.

The Council has discussed the question of requests from the European Parliament for evidence from the Governments of member states, and has agreed that it is for each member state to decide how to reply. There is no legal obligation on member states to give evidence to the European Parliament or its committees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what requests have been received by Her Majesty's Government from any organ of the European Parliament requesting or requiring evidence in writing or attendance of any Government Minister or civil servant; and if he will make a statement.

We are aware of no such requests.