§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if decisions on the issuing procedures in respect of short-term visas will be made by co-decision under the treaty of Amsterdam; and if he will make a statement; [14744]
(2) if proposals to tighten the procedures for issuing visas would be subject to a veto in the European Parliament under the Amsterdam treaty. [14747]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonUnder new Articles 73j(2)(b)(ii) and 730 of the treaty establishing the European Community as introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam, for a period of five years after the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam the Council is to adopt measures, by unanimity, having consulted the European Parliament on the crossing of external borders. This will include procedures and conditions for issuing visas by Member States for intended stays of no more than three months. After a period of five years after the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, such measures are to be adopted by the council in accordance with the codecision procedure. Such measures will not be binding on the UK unless it opts in to them.