§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment what study he has made of the publication "Workplace Attitudes to Maternity and Nursery Facilities" published by the Association of Professional, Executive, Clerical and Computer Staffs; a copy of which has 705W been sent to him by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe; what action he has taken ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewI have noted with interest this case study, which I received on 19 June 1980. The statutory maternity provisions constitute a minimum and the Government's views on the extent to which they need to be amended are represented in the Employment Bill. Subject to these provisions, there is nothing in the legislation to prevent employers and employees from negotiating voluntary agreements on these matters, including paternity leave and nursery facilities, on the lines suggested in the study.