HC Deb 31 July 1974 vol 878 cc347-9W
Mr. Brewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the Government's actions to implement the proposals of the European Community's social action programme in respect of legislation concerning mass redundancy.

Mr. John Fraser

As I informed the hon. Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Redmond) on 9th July, the Government are undertaking a fundamental review of industrial relations legislation, including the question of the handling of redundancies.

Mr. Brewis

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the Government's actions to implement the proposals of the European Communities' social action programme in respect of the principle of the 40-hour week with four weeks annual paid holiday.

Mr. John Fraser

The proposal for a recommendation of the Council of the European Communities regarding the application of the principle of the 40-hour week and four weeks annual paid holiday is still under consideration within the Council machinery and no recommendation has yet been issued.

Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he will make a statement on the Government's actions to implement the proposals of the European Community's social action programme in respect of equal pay for men and women.

Mr. John Fraser

The proposal of the social action programme in respect of equal pay for men and women is for a Community Directive on the subject. The Government are taking part in the discussions on the Draft Directive and it is envisaged that it will be adopted later this year.

My right hon. Friend is considering what more can be done to bring to the attention of employers, women and their trade unions the need to press forward in good time to achieve full compliance with the Equal Pay Act when it comes into operation on 29th December 1975.

Among the actions my right hon. Friend is considering is a further vigorous publicity effort and the possible use of his power, from the end of this year, to refer collective agreements to the Industrial Arbitration Board for advice.

Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) whether he is now in a position to announce the list of projects for improving opportunities for vocational rehabilitation for disabled people under the EEC social action programme;

(2) whether he will make a statement on the Government's action to implement the proposals of the European Community's social action programme in respect of assistance for handicapped workers.

Mr. John Fraser

On 10th June the Council of Ministers approved a Community action programme for handicapped workpeople, the first stage of which is concerned with co-operation between rehabilitation and training bodies selected in order to encourage the development of, and exchange of information about, new methods and practices for vocational rehabilitation. The Council also agreed to make assistance for benefit of handicapped workpeople available from the Social Fund under the terms of Article 4 of Decision 71/66 of 1st February 1971. My officials are considering with those of the other Departments concerned which bodies undertaking rehabilitation and training should be put forward to take part in the first stage of the action programme, and what applications for assistance from the Social Fund might be made in addition to those submitted already.

Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is now in a position to announce the list of projects under the EEC social action programme which will benefit migrant workers.

Mr. John Fraser

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Sir D. Dodds-Parker) on Tuesday, 2nd July 1974.