§ Mr. Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the proposed European Community directive on parental and family leave; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe Government believe that the matters covered by the draft directive are best dealt with between employers and employees according to their own priorities, needs and circumstances, rather than by Government or Community intervention. The Government are also concerned at the potential costs and administrative burdens such a measure would impose on employers and believe that measures of the kind envisaged in the draft directive are not priorities for additional public expenditure.
My Department is today consulting interested parties on the draft directive, and I shall report the outcome to the House.