Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 November 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, What the outcome was of the EU Council at Biarritz; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the EU Council at Biarritz; and if he will make a statement. [135174] Mr. Vaz: This informal European Council took stock of progress of the Inter-Governmental Conference on treaty change. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear our support for the extension of majority voting in areas where this will benefit Britain, while making clear that these areas did not include tax or social security. The European Council agreed that there was a role for enhanced co-operation in an enlarged European Union. It also agreed that the Charter of Rights should be adopted at the Nice European Council as a purely political declaration. Heads of State and Government also discussed the situation in the Middle East, and held a meeting with President Kostunica of Serbia.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 356 c178W; 135174
Session: 1999-00
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Human rights EU enlargement EU institutions Voting methods Reform Intergovernmental Conference 2000 Conferences Charter of Fundamental Rights (EU)
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk