HC Deb 12 March 1979 vol 964 cc8-9W
Miss Joan Lester

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what machinery exists between his Department and the European Economic Community in relation to European Economic Community regulations that effect hours and days of work in industries in the United Kingdom.

Mr. John Grant

My Department maintains contact with Commission officials on the implementation of the Council recommendation of 22 July 1975 on the principle of the 40-hour week and the principle of four weeks' annual paid holiday.

The question of hours and days of work has been considered in the context of worksharing in informal discussions between Commission officials and Government representatives; in informal meetings between EEC employment Ministers and the Commission; and at tripartite bodies such as the Standing Employment Committee and tripartite conference. My Department has participated in all these discussions.