Scotland in Europe (Hansard, 11 December 1991)

§ 12. Mrs. Ray Michie
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met CBI (Scotland) to discuss the role of Scotland in Europe.

§ Mr. Allan Stewart
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have regular exchanges of views with CBI (Scotland) on a variety of matters. Scotland's role in Europe has featured in those exchanges.

§ Mrs. Michie
Will not CBI (Scotland) take a dim view of the Government's decision to opt out of a commitment to the single currency? Because of the Government's apparent lack of enthusiasm for all things European, and their determination to go along a slow track, will not Scotland lose out again without any chance of the central bank being cited in Glasgow or Edinburgh?

§ Mr. Stewart
I disagree with the hon. Lady and I have no doubt that CBI (Scotland) would also do so—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—on that matter. In relation to the agreement on social policy at Maastricht, I noted that Jacques Delors has suggested that the United Kingdom will now be a haven for inward investment from the United States and Japan. On this occasion, I agree with Mr. Delors.

§ Mr. Ian Bruce
Does my hon. Friend agree that the CBI, in Scotland and in the rest of the United Kingdom, is keen to see flexibility in our social standards and would not wish Scotland to be signed up to a social charter restricting the freedom of workers and employers alike, who look forward to continuing to be a magnet for inward investment from Japan and from the rest of the European Community?

§ Mr. Stewart
As I suggested in my previous answer, I am sure that my hon. Friend is absolutely right. I have no doubt that the agreement that has been reached will enhance the position of the United Kingdom in relation to the creation of enterprise and the attraction of inward investment. I am sure that that view is shared by Scotland.

§ Mr. Dewar
When considering our relationships with Europe, will the Minister explain to the CBI why agreeing to a social charter which gives protection to the young employed, gives equal status to part-time workers and sets decent standards for maternity leave should be a barrier to prosperity, given the experience of France and of Germany? Why cannot this country afford social justice when the Governments of Portugal and of Greece have no doubt where the balance lies? Is it not shameful that Britain should opt out in that way? Is not the Minister embarrassed that 11 countries are signing a protocol stipulating that the United Kingdom will take no part in the Community's deliberations on the social agenda? Is that not a humiliating prospect for the Edinburgh summit next year?

§ Mr. Stewart
The hon. Gentleman is talking absolute nonsense, as will be confirmed when my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister makes his statement to the House later this afternoon. I emphasise that I do not believe that it is right to agree to measures which are damaging to the Scottish or to the British economy, and we have not done so. I also emphasise our excellent record on structural funds from the Community, from which Scotland has gained £1.25 billion under this Government.