§ Ms. Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what policy he will adopt at the meeting of Ministers in Brussels on 14 June towards the EEC directive on parental leave and leave for family reasons.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Government have consistently made it clear, both in this country and during discussions in Brussels, that they are opposed to proposals of this kind which we firmly believe are best dealt with between employers and employees according to their own needs, priorities and circumstances rather than by Government or Community intervention. We will bear in mind the views of those organisations which responded to the Department's consultation exercise when this matter is raised at the Council meeting, but we do think we should all concentrate our minds and efforts on the problems faced by the unemployed, rather than further improving the position of people who already have jobs.