HL Deb 27 July 1998 vol 592 cc153-4WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by Lord Williams of Mostyn on 16 July (H.L. Deb., col. 373), whether they support Commissioner Anita Gradin's recent initiative on the future sharing of the responsibility for asylum and migration in Europe, in particular for the reimbursement of costs in circumstances of temporary protection. [HL2890]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Council of the European Union has recently been presented with a revised proposal from the European Commission for a joint action concerning temporary protection of displaced persons, and a new proposal for a joint action concerning solidarity in the admission and residence of beneficiaries of the temporary protection of displaced persons. The Government are considering these proposals and will be depositing the documents for scrutiny shortly. The proposals are likely to raise a number of difficult issues for member states. The Government will participate fully in discussions of the proposals in the relevant Council fora.