§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 January 1998,Official Report, column 439, which member states United Kingdom officials approached on the issue of Schengen opt-in procedures; and what exchange of documents took place. [28513]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonIt would not be appropriate for Ministers to report the details of all diplomatic contacts between officials of the UK and other Governments.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 January 1998,Official Report, 144W column 439, for what reasons Coreper discussed the opt-in procedure to Schengen on each occasion; at whose instigation; and on what dates. [28515]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonCoreper discussed this matter on 2, 10, 17 and 25 July as part of its work, under the chairmanship of the Luxembourg Presidency, to finalise the text of the draft Treaty of Amsterdam.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his meeting at Denver with the Dutch Foreign Minister concerning the opt-in procedures for Schengen countries. [28571]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonIt would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on the content of every meeting which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary or I have with another Foreign Minister.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 January 1998,Official Report, column 439, for what reasons he consulted the Irish Foreign Minister on the issue of the Schengen opt-in procedure; if any joint approach was agreed; if there was agreement on the version of events; and if he will make a statement. [28514]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonI consulted with the Irish Foreign Minister on the Schengen opt-in procedure as a matter of mutual interest. It would not be appropriate to publish details of our discussions.