§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what stage has been reached with regard to a bilateral treaty with the United States of America for receiving the moneys payable where United Kingdom police have assisted United States' police in serious crimes and assets have been seized by the courts; and what is the timetable for the conclusion of the treaty.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are still seeking clarification of the exact requirements of United States law and how they might be met. It is not yet certain whether either the agreement on drug trafficking which we concluded with the United States last year or any future agreement of wider scope would in itself provide a sufficient legal basis for the transfer of money.