§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she will take to encourage employers in the offshore sector to implement the terms of the European Working Time Directive in advance of the date when the directive must be enforced. [68350]
§ Alan JohnsonThe Government have had regular contacts with both employers and employee representatives in the offshore sector about the implementation of the directive, which is due in August 2003. The Government will carry out a full public consultation on its proposals for implementation. It is for the industry to decide whether to take steps to implement the directive ahead of the August deadline.