§ Mr. BlairTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many responses from organisations were received in response to his Department's consultative document on the European Commission's proposals on part-time and temporary work and working time; how many of those responding supported the proposals in full or in part; and how many were against; and if he will list those organisations broadly supportive of the Commission's proposals.
§ Mr. ForthThe consultation document covered four proposals for directives. A total of 207 organisations have responded to the document, many of which were organisations representing large numbers of employers. A significant number of responses were concerned with some rather than all of the proposals.
A total of 141 organisations expressed a clear opinion on the directives on part-time work. Of these, 27 were clearly or mainly in favour of the proposals, and 114 were against.
On the directive concerning the health and safety of temporary workers, 14 organisations thought there is a need for this directive, while 47 took the opposite view. Ten organisations thought that temporary workers are at a greater risk than permanent workers, while 48 had an opposite view.
The proposed directive on working time was supported by 15 organisations, and was opposed by 100.
It is for the individual organisations concerned to decide whether to publicise their views.