HC Deb 30 January 1981 vol 997 cc526-7W
Mr. Moate

asked the Lord Privy Seal if the Treaty of Accession relating to Greek membership of the European Economic Community contains transitional arrangements for the free movement of labour within the Community; why these arrangements were thought necessary; and what are the terms of those arrangements.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Yes. Under article 45 of the Treaty of Accession to the European Community of the Hellenic Republic, there is a transitional period for free movement of labour ending 31 December 1987. During this period the other nine member States and the Hellenic Republicmay maintain in force with regard to Hellenic nationals and nationals of the former nine Member States respectively, national provisions submitting to prior authorisation, immigration undertaken with a view to pursuing an activity as an employed person and/or taking up and pursuit of paid employment".

These arrangements were agreed between the European Community and the Hellenic Republic to ensure that the adaptation to the provisions of the European Community Treaty and the secondary legislation adopted under it should take place on an orderly basis.

Mr. Moate

asked the Lord Privy Seal if, particularly in the light of the enlargement of the Community, he will summarise the conditions under which nationals of European Economic Community member States can secure employment and settle in other member States.

Sir Ian Gilmour

Community legislation provides for the free movement of labour between Belgium, Denmark, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. These provisions give to nationals of these countries:—

  1. (i) the right to move freely between member States to take or seek employment;
  2. (ii) the right to non-discriminatory terms of employment;
  3. (iii) the right to remain in certain circumstances in a member State after employment subject to minimum qualifying periods;
  4. (iv) equal access to vocational training;
  5. (v) equal trade union rights;
  6. (vi) equal access to housing;
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  7. (vii) the right of the worker to be accompanied by his family;
  8. (viii) the right of access for his children to educational and training facilities;
  9. (ix) equal social security rights.

Article 45 of the Treaty of Accession to the European Community of the Hellenic Republic provides that during a transitional period ending on 31 December 1987, the other nine member States and the Hellenic Republic may maintain in force with regard to Hellenic nationals and to nationals of the former nine member States respectively, national provisions submitting to prior authorisation, immigration undertaken with a view to pursuing an activity as an employed person and/or taking up and pursuit of paid employment.

Nationals of a member State who take up employment or self-employment in another member State are under Community legislation entitled to reside in that member State while pursuing their occupation. Subject to certain qualifying periods of employment, a person may remain in another member State if they give up work because of permanent incapacity or because they have reached retirement age.