HC Deb 25 February 1998 vol 307 cc236-7W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the implications of Articles 29 to 42 of the Treaty on European Union as amended by the Amsterdam Treaty for police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters; and what information he has made available to Parliament and the public on this subject; [30523]

  1. (2) what consultations he has had with police authorities on the consequences for their operations and duties of Articles 29 to 42 of the Treaty on European Union as amended by the Amsterdam Treaty; and if he will place in the Library the records of those consultations; [30524]
  2. (3) what assessment he has made of the implications of articles 29 to 42 of the Treaty on European Union; and what plans he has to publish information on their impact on police operations and on the judicial system in the United Kingdom. [31080]

Ms Quin

Articles 29 to 42 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), as amended by the Treaty of Amsterdam, will replace Title VI of the TEU by new provisions concerned with developing common action between member states in the fields of police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters and preventing and combating racism and xenophobia. The new provisions introduce changes, in particular as regards the scope of the common action to be developed, the legal instruments to be used and the role of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice. There are also provisions enabling member states to establish closer co-operation between themselves, and on the future role of Europol. Subject to Parliamentary approval of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill, and ratification by all member states of the new Treaty, the Government will seek to participate fully in all aspects of work under the new provisions, consistently with United Kingdom national interests.

The Treaty of Amsterdam was published as a Command paper (Cm 3780) in October 1997. Detailed written statements which cover all aspects of the Treaty have been provided to Committees of both Houses, made available to hon. Members and placed in the Library. Additionally, similar information has been provided to members of the public on request. The Treaty of Amsterdam has, of course, been debated at length in this House.

The police are routinely consulted, through a wide range of contacts which will not necessarily be recorded, on aspects of European Union business which have consequences for them. In particular, the Association of Chief Police Officers are closely involved in relevant discussions and negotiations with our European partners, and often attend meetings to provide advice and support.

Articles 29–42 will not impact directly on police operations and the judicial system in the United Kingdom. They call for closer co-operation between the competent authorities of the member states in these fields, but any further practical arrangements will only be put into place following further negotiation and agreement. For example, the provision in Article 32 for the regulation of the operation of competent authorities in the territory of another member state will require a separate, detailed discussion and agreement by the Council. Information regarding these negotiations shall of course be made available to Parliament in line with scrutiny arrangements for work undertaken in the Third Pillar.