§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Minister for Trade if he will list the draft European Economic Community directives relating to company law and employee participation, including the provision of information to employees and indicate the latest position regarding these and the draft European statute on company law.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Department's booklet, "Harmonisation of company and related law in Europe", lists the titles, history and expected progress of all the current drafts and proposals for Community instruments on company and related law, including the proposed European statute. The booklet is updated every six months and a copy is placed in the Library.
The only proposal in the company law harmonisation programme which deals specifically with employee participation is that for a fifth directive. Last month the European Parliament adopted an opinion on this proposal and I understand that the Commission is now considering whether to amend it accordingly.
Proposals relating to employee participation, including the relevant aspects of the proposed fifth directive, are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.