§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the response of the Government and what he understands to be the likely response of Governments of other member states to the revised draft European Community directive on informing and consulting workers in companies of complex structure, the Vredeling directive.
§ Mr. GummerThe Government are studying the European Commission's new proposals, which include many amendments to the original text. The Governments of other member states are no doubt doing likewise, and their views are not yet known. For our part, we remain convinced that progress in extending employee involvement in the United Kingdom is best achieved voluntarily, and legislation which imposes rigid systems and frameworks will hinder such progress. This approach will guide the Government's response to this draft directive.