§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Prime Minister why the United Kingdom withdrew its reserve in relation to majority voting on health and safety directives by the Council of Ministers; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I made clear to the House on 5 December 1985 in my statement on the Luxembourg European Council, the United Kingdom reserve on312W qualified majority voting in respect of the proposed EC treaty amendment on working conditions was entered because we wished to avoid unfair burdens being imposed on small and medium-sized businesses. That aim has been secured through the inclusion in the treaty text of a specific provision protecting the position of such undertakings, thus enabling the United Kingdom reserve to be lifted.