§ Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will publish the latest available figures showing the age structure of United Kingdom residents of New Commonwealth and Pakistani origin, and, if possible, indicate the proportions of such residents in each group originating from the West Indies.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe latest available estimates were given inPopulation Trends, issue Number 9—a copy of which is in the Library—from which the following details are taken:
clarify the statement by the Under-Secretary of State, Official Report, 13th December, column 424, in its reference to discussions on the draft directive on 415W equal treatment in social security which are taking place at official level; what is the timetable for these discussions; who is participating; and if Her Majesty's Government have come to any conclusions as to their policy in connection with the directive.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe discussions involve representatives of the Commission and officials of the nine member Governments and are taking place in the Social Questions Working Group of the EEC Council of Ministers. The timetable is determined by the EEC Presidency on a continuing basis in the light of current business generally.
For the most recent statement of the Government's position on the main aspects of the draft directive, I refer my hon. Friend to what was said in another place by my noble Friend the Lord Wells-Pestell on 24th January.—[House of Lords; Vol. 388, cc.324–31.]
§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps have been taken by the Government with a view to (a) expressing their opinions to the Commission of the European Communities on the proposed directive on equality of treatment for men and women in matters of social security, and (b) planning for the implementation of the directive in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. DeakinsThese matters were discussed during the debate on the Commission Document No. R/48/77 on 13th December 1977 and in the debate on the Fourth Report of the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities on 24th January 1978 in another place. Our views on the proposed directives are being expressed in the discussions in Brussels; but until the final shape of the directive is known the planning of its implementation cannot be considered in any detail.—[Vol. 941, c. 423–54;House of Lords; Vol, 388, c. 311–32.]
§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study he has made of the Fourth Report of the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities, which concerns the draft directive on equality of treatment for men and women in matters of social security; what notice he proposes 416W to take of its opinions and recommendations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe Government's views were expressed during the debate on this Report in another place on 24th January 1978.—[House of Lords; Vol. 388, c. 311–32.]