HL Deb 15 January 1990 vol 514 cc510-1WA
Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish the draft social charter which they prepared for the European summit in Strasbourg.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Employment (Lord Strathclyde)

The United Kingdom did not put forward an alternative draft charter at or before the meeting of the European Council in Strasbourg.

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider the social charter agreed at the Strasbourg summit to be applicable in the United Kingdom.

Lord Strathclyde

The United Kingdom Government were unable to support the proposals for a charter of fundamental social rights of workers at the meeting of the European Council in December in Strasbourg. The charter is therefore not applicable in the United Kingdom.

Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will co-operate with the Commission of the European Communities in the preparation of a regular report of the application of the social charter by member states, as specified in paragraph 12 of the general introduction to the social action programme.

Lord Strathclyde

The United Kingdom Government were unable to support the proposal for a charter of fundamental social righs of workers at the European Council meeting in December in Strasbourg. There is, therefore, no requirement for the Government to provide reports on the application of the charter in the United Kingdom.