HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 c650W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will assess the implications for the legal system of the United Kingdom of ratification of the treaty of Amsterdam, with particular reference to likely changes in court and legal procedures. [12812]

Mr. Hoon

Ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam will not affect court procedures in the United Kingdom. Under the treaty, civil judicial co-operation is transferred to the Community pillar, but it will not involve the United Kingdom unless we specifically choose to opt into a particular measure or measures.