§ Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Employment what approach the European Commission has made to his Department to develop active participation by both sides of industry in the formulation of Community policies.
§ Mr. John GrantThe European Commission has made no special approach to my Department in this connection. But it is established Community policy that both sides of industry should be involved in the economic and social decision making of the Community.
Employers and trades union organisations are represented on the Economic and Social Committee, and a number of committees set up to advise the Commission. They meet with Ministers and the Commission at the Standing Committee on Employment and at confereences held for the purpose. The last such conference attended by Employment and Finance Ministers as well as representatives of the Commission and of European level employer and trade union organisations, was held on 18th November 1975. The next, 104W with similar representation, is expected to be held in June and will concentrate on unemployment.