Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 20 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 30 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, if he will make a statement on the European Commission's plans for a new design for EU passports.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the European Commission's plans for a new design for EU passports. [139785] Mr. Vaz: The European Commission is studying whether there are ways of improving the security of travel documents, including passports. No official proposals have yet been put forward. The Commission have made it clear that they have no intention of proposing the replacement of national emblems with EU stars. The Government will look at any proposals to improve security on their merits, and will oppose any ideas that have no practical security justification.

Secondary information