§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those matters currently solely within Her Majesty's Government's responsibility for which by virtue of the treaty of Amsterdam responsibility will be jointly held with an institution of the EU on the coming into force of that treaty. [83280]
§ Ms QuinThe treaty of Amsterdam broadens the competence of the Community institutions mainly in areas where they already share responsibility with the member states. Such areas include the environment, social policy, employment policy, non-discrimination, public health and consumer protection.
It also introduces new Community competence over policies on the free movement of persons in new Title IV of the EC Treaty. However, the UK will not be bound by any measures adopted under this Title unless it chooses to be so.