§ Mr. DewarTo ask the Prime Minister if he will list the propositions in the social chapter of the treaty on European Union which(a) have not already been implemented in the United Kingdom and (b) would have to be implemented if the United Kingdom were a signatory to the social chapter; and what is his assessment of the effect on British industry of each of the propositions in (b).
§ The Prime MinisterThe treaty on European union confirms that the social provisions chapter within the existing treaty of Rome will be maintained without change. The chapter contains no propositions, but establishes the basis upon which the Community may support member states in the pursuant of their objectives. It is, and will remain, the basis for the development of a sensible social dimension respecting national diversity and subsidiarity and consistent with the priority of employment creation.