HC Deb 30 October 2000 vol 355 cc315-6W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role of the Standing Committee on the Evaluation and Implementation of Schengen as concerns UK participation. [134811]

Mrs. Roche

The Standing Committee on the Evaluation and Implementation of Schengen is a working group of the Council which was established to ensure that countries such as the United Kingdom meet the pre-conditions for bringing the Schengen acquis into force. The Standing Committee produces evaluation reports based on the preparations for implementation in those countries, identifies problems and proposes solutions. The Committee also ensures the proper application of the Schengen acquis in existing Schengen countries. The evaluation of the United Kingdom's implementation of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which we are participating is likely to begin in spring 2001.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the Schengen(a) handbooks and (b) manuals, stating which (i) remain classified, with grading, and (ii) his Department has not yet reviewed. [134807]

Mrs. Roche

On 23 June 1998 the Schengen Executive Committee decided that the following documents relating to the Convention implementing the Schengen agreement should remain confidential:

  • Annexes 5, 9 and 10 to the Common Consular Instructions on Visas;
  • the Common Manual;
  • the Sirene Manual;
  • three documents covered by the decision on narcotic drugs (tightening controls at external borders (SCH/Stup (92) 45 latest version), controlled deliveries (SCH/Stup (92) 46 latest version) and measures on combating the illicit exportation of drugs (SCH/Stup (92) 72 latest version)).

The Home Office has received copies of all of these documents.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the UK share of the Schengen operational budget. [134805]

Mrs. Roche

As those parts of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom applied to participate have not yet been implemented in the United Kingdom, our only commitment to the Schengen operational budget is towards SIS operating costs. This amounts to £400,000 for the current financial year.