HC Deb 30 June 1999 vol 334 cc190-1W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 91, concerning the topics to be raised by the special European Council meeting at Tampere, Finland, concerning co-ordination of judicial and home affairs, if he will define the phrase, European Judicial Area, and provide reference to the relevant Treaty articles providing a basis for its use. [88677]

Mr. Straw

Following the conclusions of the Vienna European Council, which asked forparticular attention to be paid to the creation of a European Judicial Area, in accordance with the Treaty of Amsterdam", the Government understands the phrase "European Judicial Area" as referring principally to closer judicial co-operation in criminal and civil matters between the Member States. The relevant Treaty Articles are Article 65 of the European Community Treaty, and 29, 31 and 32 of the Treaty on European Union.

Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 91, concerning the agenda items and related documents to be discussed at the additional European Council to be held in Tampere, Finland, in October, to consider the European Judicial Area, what criteria were used to determine which documents are inappropriate for publication; and what committees of either House of Parliament will be able to consider those published prior to that council meeting. [88690]

Mr. Straw

As I indicated in my reply on 15 June 1999,Official Report, column 91, the documents to be submitted to the European Council will not be known until shortly before the meeting. When they are received they will be subject to the provisions relating to deposit for Parliamentary scrutiny as laid down in paragraph 127(1) of House of Commons Standing Order No. 143. Documents deposited under these provisions are sent to the European Scrutiny Committee and to the European Communities Committee of the House of Lords. Copies are also sent to the Home Affairs Select Committee.