§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions are taking place with the European Community concerning the establishment of a minimum level of social assistance in each member state; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackOfficials have been taking part in preliminary discussions with the Commission and other member states on a draft Council recommendation on common criteria concerning social assistance schemes. The resultant draft has not yet been received by the Government, but the indications are that it will not present serious problems for the United Kingdom, which is one of the member states that already has a comprehensive scheme in the shape of income support.