HC Deb 21 January 1987 vol 108 cc562-3W
121. Mr. Charles Wardle

asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on progress made during Britain's presidency of the European Community in encouraging the growth of jobs throughout the European Community.

124. Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on progress made during Britain's presidency of the European Community in encouraging the growth of jobs throughout the European Community.

125. Mr. Batiste

asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on progress made during Britain's presidency of the European Community in encouraging the growth of jobs throughout the European Community.

Mr. Lee

The progress made was considerable. In particular, at the Labour and Social Affairs Council on 11 December the Council adopted an action programme for employment growth, based on a text put forward by the United Kingdom, Italy and the republic of Ireland. The action programme sets the four priorities for the Labour and Social Affairs Council's future work as being the promotion of new business and employment growth; more efficient labour markets; better training for young people and adults; and more help for long term unemployed people.

First proposals under the programme are to be brought forward before the Council's next meeting. The European Commission will in addition be making six-monthly reports to the Council and the European Parliament on progress made in the programme's implementation. For a more detailed account of the action programme I refer my hon. Friends to my right hon. and learned Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Kingswood (Mr. Hayward) on 15 December 1986, at column 368.

In addition to the adoption of the action programme, achievements during the United Kingdom presidency in a number of other areas will also contribute substantially to the growth of jobs throughout the Community. Particular examples are the substantial progress made towards the completion of the internal market and towards lightening the burdens on business arising from Community obligations.