HC Deb 08 March 2000 vol 345 cc665-6W
Mr. Denzil Davies

To ask the Secretary of state for the Home Department what are the domestic legislative implications of the individual in the Portuguese Presidency's Programme of work in the Field of Justice and Home Affairs. [113070]

Mr. Charles Clarke

None of the measures specified in the Portuguese presidency Work Programme in the field of Jusice and Home Affairs has been finalised, and most are in the early stages of discussion. It is not possible, until an individual proposal has been finally adopted, to identify the extent of any legislative implications in the United Kingdom.

However, in accordance with the terms of reference of the Scrutiny Committees of both Houses of Parliament, the Government deposit Explanatory Memoranda on all draft European Union proposals. Part of the Explanatory Memorandum covers the possible implications to United Kingdom Law should the proposal be adopted in its draft form.