To ask the Secretary of State for Justice

(1) what his policy is on the exercise of the UK opt-out in the policy areas of justice and home affairs which fall within his Department's responsibility under the Lisbon Treaty;

(2) when a decision will be taken on whether the UK will exercise its right to opt-out of each area on justice and home affairs under the Treaty of Lisbon where such a right exists.

Forthcoming legislation in the area of criminal justice will be approached on a case-by-case basis, with a view to maximising our country's security, protecting Britain's civil liberties and preserving the integrity of our criminal justice system.

The Government will decide whether to exercise its right to opt-out of each area on justice and home affairs under the treaty of Lisbon where such right exists before the 2014 deadline.