To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many EU Council meetings the Lord Chancellor has attended since taking up her post; and who represents her if she is unable to attend. (133756)

The Department for Constitutional Affairs is represented at EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meetings by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, Baroness Ashton of Upholland as she is the Minister responsible for EU and international business. She attends all such Council meetings unless there is no business relevant to the Department. Baroness Ashton has attended 16 Council meetings since taking up her post.