Written question asked by Austin Mitchell (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 April 1999. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 April 1999 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will list each of the new responsibilities which he will assume when the signed Treaty of Amsterdam takes effect and for each (a) the likely effect on departmental staffing, (b) the bodies or persons in the European Union principally concerned and (c) the relevant section of that treaty and the consolidated treaties of the European Union and European Community.

Answer: Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list each of the new responsibilities which he will assume when the signed Treaty of Amsterdam takes effect and for each (a) the likely effect on departmental staffing, (b) the bodies or persons in the European Union principally concerned and (c) the relevant section of that treaty and the consolidated treaties of the European Union and European Community. [80409] Angela Eagle: The Treaty of Amsterdam will have minimal impact on the responsibilities of the Department and no additional staff are planned. Although Article 137 of the consolidated Treaty introduces an additional Community power to legislate in Social Security, we already have extensive experience of Community Social Security legislation under Article 42. The latter legislation will, in future, be subject to co-decision with the European Parliament.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 329 c152W; 80409
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Civil servants Department of Social Security Government departments Ministerial duties Ministerial powers Treaty of Amsterdam