HC Deb 20 December 1990 vol 183 cc312-3W
Mr. Bevan

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Labour and Social Affairs Council meeting held in Brussels on 18 December.

Mr. Howard

The Council had a useful meeting.

The Council formally adopted its common position on a directive to control the use of asbestos in the workplace.

The Council reached a common position on the directive concerned with the health and safety of temporary workers, based on article 118A of the treaty. The agreement followed a compromise proposed from the United Kingdom which enabled member states who still had difficulties with the text to lift their reserves.

The Council agreed in principle a proposed decision to designate 1992 as European Year of Health and Safety. The forthcoming Luxembourg presidency was invited to make progress on this decision in the light of the awaited Opinion of the European Parliament; and also on proposed amendments to existing regulations on social security for migrant workers and a resolution on the Commission's third action programme on equal treatment for men and women. The Council had an exchange of views on the impact of current demographic changes in the Community.

The Italian presidency sought progress on proposals from the European Commission for directives under articles 100 and 100A of the treaty, designed to regulate the rights and benefits available to part-time and temporary workers. As at the previous Social Affairs Council on 26th November, no progress was made. Many member states continued to have serious concerns about the substance of these proposals and to hold that the Commission should have based both proposals on article 100 of the treaty (requiring unanimity in the Council) because they are concerned with the interests and rights of working people.

The Council provided further vindication of the Government's approach to social affairs at Community level. The Government continue to play a full and active part so as to ensure that the United Kingdom's interests are fully represented. The Government support a social dimension to the Community, where this helps to create and sustain employment. Progress can be made when based on sensible, well prepared proposals, particularly in the field of health and safety at work. The Government will continue to give their support to measures of this kind.