Summer Recess: Ministerial Cover

Lord Dubs Excerpts

Monday 5th September 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Strathclyde]

Yes, my Lords, but I am sure that the whole country was enormously reassured when the Prime Minister returned from holiday, took full control of the unfolding situation and, indeed, recalled Parliament.

[Lord Dubs]

My Lords, perhaps the Leader of the House will permit me to take a step to one side in my supplementary question. Is it the Government’s policy to encourage European Commissioners that there should always be a European Commissioner on duty in the month of August, or at least someone deputising for him? In my experience some years ago, there was a time in August when there was not a European Commissioner available and it was impossible to get a decision out of Brussels.

[Lord Strathclyde]

I wonder if at that time the European Union was better run with or without a European Commissioner on duty.