§ Mr. Chopeasked the Paymaster General whether he will make available the results of the Department of Employment consultation exercise on the European Commission's draft directive on parental leave and leave for family reasons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe results of the consultation exercise have today been placed in the Library of the House. The exercise drew response from a wide range of organisations and individuals and we have noted the views expressed. We believe these matters are best pursued by voluntary negotiations between employers and employees and that legislation of this nature would be damaging to the prospects for jobs.