HC Deb 28 February 2003 vol 400 cc755-6W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of state for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the incidences under which the UK has received(a) letters of formal notice and (b) reasoned opinions for (i) failing to fulfil obligations under EU directives and (ii) failing to comply with court orders since 1992; and which remain outstanding. [99217]

Mr. MacShane

At any given time, the European Commission will have a number of infractions proceedings against any Member State. They will be at different stages of the proceedings.

As of 31 December 2001, the last date for which the Commission has comprehensive public figures, the Commission had 220 infractions cases under examination against the United Kingdom.

Between 1997 and 2001, the Commission issued the UK with 368 letters of formal notice and 151 reasoned opinions. The UK was referred to the European Court of Justice 28 times between 1997 and 2001. In only one of the 220 cases under examination against the UK as of 31 December 2001 was the UK accused of having failed to comply with the judgment of the Court. Figures for the period prior to 1997 are not publicly readily available.

We are working with the Commission to resolve all outstanding cases.