Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Gilbert Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hague]

As I said, the UN is leading on the matter, and it will spearhead the reconstruction effort. The Department for International Development is handling the details of the British contribution and support, but if we have more information about companies’ involvement, I will write to the hon. Gentleman about it.

[Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)]

5. What recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the role of the European External Action Service; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)]

I am in regular contact with my European counterparts about the work of the External Action Service, and with the EU High Representative, Baroness Ashton.

[Stephen Gilbert]

The Minister will be aware of the growing number of countries in Africa and the Pacific that do not have representation from either the UK or other European Union member states. Does he agree that the European External Action Service could provide representation to European nationals in those countries?

[Mr Lidington]

My hon. Friend talks about the EEAS’s role in consular representation. Of course, under the treaties, that competence is given explicitly to member states rather than to European institutions, but it is quite right that the EEAS should, in line with the treaties, support the work of EU member states, especially by signposting EU nationals who are unrepresented to embassies or high commissions of another member state where they can obtain representation.