§ Mr. MitchellTo 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. HoonRatification 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.