HC Deb 01 July 1997 vol 297 cc76-7W
Sir Richard Body

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the decision on whether or not to join the Schengen Agreement was influenced by his assessment of the technical and operational documents relating thereto; and if he will make a statement. [6098]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Government have no intention of signing the Schengen agreement because it would require the removal of United Kingdom frontier controls with other member states. This decision was not influenced by our examination of documents relating to the implementation of the agreement.