§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements he proposes for his presence and participation in the European Community Social Affairs Council of Ministers meetings, when the other member states' Ministers are discussing matters arising under the social protocol agreed at the Maastricht summit meeting.
§ Mr. ForthThe treaty on European union agreed at the Maastricht European Council confirms that the social chapter within the present treaty—articles 117–122—will be retained without change and the United Kingdom will continue to participate fully in all relevant discussions about the development of the Community's social dimension.
A protocol to the treaty on European union notes that the 11 other member states wish to continue along the path laid down in the social charter, which they signed in 1989, and have adopted among themselves an agreement to that end. The conduct of business under that agreement is a matter for the 11 Governments concerned. The United Kingdom shall not take part in their deliberations, and any decisions taken by them shall not be applicable to the United Kingdom.