§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's position on immigration, visas and asylum being determined by a European union, following the agreement at the European Council that the issue be considered; and when these issues will be considered by an intergovernmental conference.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe conclusion of the European Council was that consideration should be given to whether and how activities currently conducted in an intergovernmental framework could be
brought within the ambit of the Union".Immigration, visas and asylum were cited as examples of matters which might be considered for such treatment.This part of the European Council's conclusions is clearly distinguished from the part relating to possible extensions of Community competence. We do not believe, and it is not envisaged, that immigration, visas and asylum matters should be brought within the Treaty of Rome.
The intergovernmental conference on political union is now under way and the Government will play a full part in the discussions. It is not yet clear at what stage particular individual items will be considered.