HC Deb 20 November 1997 vol 301 cc247-8W
Mr. Brazier

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effect of the Amsterdam Treaty on the status under national law of(a) churches, (b) religious associations and (c) organisations which his Department classifies as cults in the United Kingdom.[16985]

Ms Quin

Declaration 11 to the Treaty of Amsterdam refers to the status of churches, religious associations and non-confessional organisations. It is non-binding and has no effect on national law.

Mr. Brazier

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect of the terms of the Treaty of Amsterdam on the death penalty in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) her dependencies.[17016]

Mr. Michael

The Treaty of Amsterdam has no effect on the position in the United Kingdom or her dependencies so far as the death penalty is concerned. The policy of the Government remains that it is for Parliament to decide on the reintroduction or abolition of the death penalty in the United Kingdom.