Written question asked by Lord Marlesford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 October 2007.

Passports

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Which European Union countries check electronically the passports of persons departing from or arriving into the European Union.

Answer: The UK does not participate in EU measures on harmonised border controls. To undertake a detailed study would involve disproportionate cost. We refer the noble Lord to the European Commission and to the approximated rules of procedures to be carried out at the external border [Regulation (EC) No. 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code)].

Secondary information