§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the names and offices of any United Kingdom representatives of the committee of officials authorised by Article K4 of the Treaty of Maastricht 99WA in preparation for, and providing in respect of, any matter of justice and home affairs; and to whom are their reports and minutes made available. [HL1671]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe United Kingdom representative on the committee set up under Article K4 of the Treaty on European Union is Mr. Timothy Walker, Director General of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office.
The treaty provides that the committee's task is to give opinions for the attention of the Council and to contribute to the preparation of the Council's discussions in the areas referred to in Article K1 as matters of common interest in the fields of justice and home affairs and in the areas referred to in Article 100c of the European Communities Treaty (visas). Reports and other documents discussed by the committee are normally submitted through the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The public may apply to the Council for copies of the documents, and any such applications will fall to be considered under the relevant Council decision. The calendar of meetings is now available on the internet, and work is in progress to make the agendas of K4 meetings and other papers available in the same way.