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Ministers' Correspondence with Members of Parliament

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)

40. Correspondence from MEPs should receive an appropriate Ministerial reply and be handled using the same care and attention as for MPs' correspondence taking into account the same response targets.

41. Because of the distance involved, it is difficult for MEPs to have regular contact with Ministers. Therefore officials should not feel inhibited about replying if they are approached directly by MEPs. As with written briefing, however, officials should consult Ministers about the terms of a reply. The FCO Consular Division (Tel: 020 7008 4220) should be consulted on correspondence about consular cases. If an MEP requests briefing in preparation for an overseas visit, these should be given equal priority as similar requests from MPs.

42. Additional guidance on relations with MEPs, including guidance on the handling of constituency correspondence, is contained in Relations with the European Parliament, Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions . (Copies can be obtained from the European Secretariat, Cabinet Office, 020 7276 0141).

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