Written question asked by Lord Selkirk of Douglas (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 June 2007.

Abduction

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will raise with the Governments of European countries the need for effective procedures to secure rapid response from police and border controls after an abduction takes place.

Answer: The police authorities of EU member states co-operate closely on cross-border crimes through the Schengen convention. A range of police co-operation measures were introduced under the Schengen convention in order to strengthen the response to cross-border crime when EU member states opened their borders. Mechanisms exist worldwide through Interpol systems, and the UK has tried-and-tested procedures following the introduction of the Child Abduction Act 1984. The decision to close the borders of EU member states must be made on a case-by-case basis by the relevant national authorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4156; 692 c251WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Children Borders Cross border cooperation EU countries Abduction Police
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk