§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will use the United Kingdom presidency to promote a European Community directive on racial harmony;
(2) what steps he has taken under his presidency of the European Community to promote racial harmony in the Community.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government are opposed absolutely to discrimination on grounds of race. This position is reflected in all our discussions with our European partners on these matters.
The detailed legislative arrangements in other member states are, however, a matter for them, taking account of their particular circumstances.
During the United Kingdom presidency the Government will be taking any appropriate opportunity to encourage our European Community colleagues to consider best practice in combating racial discrimination. One such opportunity will be the equal opportunities conference to be hosted by the Department of Employment in Birmingham from 7 to 8 December.