HC Deb 04 July 2000 vol 353 c167W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes will be required to domestic legislation to permit partial UK participation in the Schengen Agreement. [128138]

Mrs. Roche

We are currently examining what changes will be needed to United Kingdom primary legislation in order to implement the United Kingdom's partial participation in the Schengen acquis. We anticipate a need for primary legislation relating to police co-operation in connection with cross-border surveillance and to areas of judicial co-operation. The latter aspect is linked to the legislative requirements for ratification of the European Union's Conventions on Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition. Further discussion is taking place with our Schengen partners to clarify whether the application of certain provisions on data protection will require amendment to current data protection legislation.