§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made on document COM (2000) 008, concerning a European public prosecutor; and if the Government intend to veto proposals to amend the treaties in respect of the Nice Council. [134378]
§ Mrs. RocheI have been asked to reply.
Document COM (2000) 608 is the Commission's contribution to the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on the protection of the Community's financial interests, and is being considered by member states in that context. The Government's position is that the IGC should focus on the issues necessary for enlargement.
The United Kingdom Government do not support the creation of a European public prosecutor (EPP) and will oppose any moves in this direction. We have made our position on this clear to the Commission, to the Council and to the European Parliament.