asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they made to members of the European Parliament during the passage of Directive 2005/36/EC, as implemented by the Farriers' Qualification (European Recognition) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/646); and how they voted in the Council of Ministers on this directive. [HL3244]

In July 2002, at the start of the negotiation process, a formal written brief about the draft directive was circulated to UK members of the European Parliament. During the negotiation period individual meetings were held with some members to discuss the draft directive's provisions; no concerns were raised about farriery. At the start of the European Parliament's second reading a further formal written brief was circulated in January 2005. In councils, the UK was supportive of the need to improve the recognition system and a more liberalised regime; and the UK supported the agreement in the Council of Ministers.