§ Ms. Quinasked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimates he has of the cost to employers of implementing the European Economic Community proposed directive on parental leave.
§ Mr. NichollsThere are no precise estimates available, but clearly the directive would be bound to add significantly to employers' costs.
Mr. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) whether he will consider widening the definition of parental leave to include family leave when implementing the European Community draft directive on parental leave; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he expects the United Kingdom to comply with the provision of the European Community draft directive on parental leave; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NichollsThe Government are opposed in principle to this directive, but as it is still at the draft stage no question of implementation or compliance arises.