§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals have been made by the presidency of the European Union at(a) the General Affairs Council and (b) other ministerial councils concerning the development of the role of the Western European Union; on what date he expects the Treaty of Amsterdam to take effect; and if he will place related European Union and Western European Union documents in the Library. [78998]
§ Mr. Tony LloydThe Presidency of the European Union have made no formal proposals considering the development of the role of the Western European Union at the General Affairs Council or any other ministerial councils.
The Treaty of Amsterdam will enter into force once the last remaining countries, France and Greece, have deposited their instruments of ratification with the Italian Government. They are expected to do so shortly. If they do so before 15 April 1999, the Treaty will enter into force on 1 May 1999.