§ 37. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of discussions on the Vredeling proposals and the draft fifth directive.
§ Mr. GummerThe draft Vredeling directive is at present being given a detailed second reading in Brussels by a working group of officials from member states within the Council machinery. The draft fifth directive is being given a first reading by a similar working group. The draft Vredeling directive is to be discussed at the Labour and Social Affairs Council on 7 June, but final decisions are not expected on either directive in the foreseeable future. The Government have made their concern at these draft directives very clear.