I have not had direct negotiations with the British Government in the matter but the issue of free movement of persons continues to be discussed between the Twelve in the appropriate intergovernmental fora. I am hopeful that progress can be made in completing the compensatory measures which are recognised as pre-requisites to free movement by all member states and, to that end, I would support such progress being made by way of a pragmatic approach to finding lasting solutions to problems of a particularly difficult and sensitive nature.
With regard to immigration policy generally in the European Community, Ministers for Justice and the Interior of member states of the Community, meeting in the Hague in December 1991, agreed on a work programme for discussing, and where appropriate, harmonising policies in the areas of immigration and asylum. That work programme was noted by the Maastricht European Council which considered that it constituted an adequate basis for measures to be taken in those areas. In addition, the Treaty on European Union provides for co-operation between member states for the purposes of achieving the objectives of the union, including co-operation in the areas of immigration and asylum policy.
With regard to asylum policy specifically, the Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment that our policy towards refugees and asylum seekers will meet the highest international standards. I have instructed my Department to prepare the necessary legislation and work has been proceeding in my Department on the preparation of a Bill which will be brought before Government for approval and published this session or, if not, during the next session.
