The next item is Question Time (B4-0035/94). We shall be taking questions to the Council and the Commission.

I should like to welcome the Council to Question Time, in particular Mrs Seiler-Albring. We look forward to hearing her answers and to her being present at future Question Times during the Presidency.

Questions to the Council

As they deal with the same subject, the following questions will be taken together:

Question No 1 by Robert Evans (H-0411/94)

Subject: Transparency and openness in EU decision-making

What measures is the Council taking to reinforce its policy on openness?

Question No 2 by Richard Howitt (H-0412/94)

Subject: An EU policy on open government

Why does the Council refuse to disclose files on the operation of its policy on open government?

Question No 3 by Hugh Kerr (H-0413/94)

Subject: Principles for the widest access to documents

What does the Council consider to be of the uppermost importance when it establishes its principles for the widest access to documents - the interests of the EU Institutions, of the Member States or of individuals?

Question No 4 by Eryl Mcnally (H-0414/94)

Subject: Publication of Council voting records

Do not the citizens of the EU have a right to know the basic facts about what is decided by the Council and how their respective Minister voted on legislation in Council meetings?

Question No 5 by David Bowe (H-0415/94)

Subject: Code of conduct of public access to documents

The new Code of Conduct concerning public access to Council and Commission documents 'establishes principles for the widest possible access to documents'. But what exemptions does the Council have in mind when it refers to 'necessary exemptions to protect the public interest'?