§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in discussions on the draft directive on the mutual recognition of firearms certificates; whether the proposals fall to be considered by majority vote or by unanimity; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. HurdNo discussions have been held by the European Commission since last June on its proposal for a Council directive on the control of the acquisition and possession of weapons. The Commission has based this proposal on article 100A, which would enable its adoption by majority voting. The United Kingdom has registered the view that the directive should be founded, like other frontier measures, on article 235, which requires unanimity. We have entered a formal reserve about the legal basis and will continue to press the Commission to accept our view.
We understand that the Commission intends to issue shortly a revised version of the draft directive. When this has been received we will consider it carefully.