§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with the Equal Opportunities Commission about a European Community draft directive on the equalisation of state pensions; and what position he has adopted.
§ Miss WiddecombeThere have been no firm proposals on the third draft directive on equal treatment in social security since it was last discussed in 1989. The Government are committed to the principle of equal treatment. We intend to co-operate in working with the European Commission and other member states to achieve an effective directive.