§ Mr. Duncan-SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the outcome of the meeting on 3 December of the Social Affairs Council in Brussels; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe Social Affairs Council had a useful meeting on 3 December, adapting a number of instruments and making good progress on others.
The Council adopted a wide-ranging resolution concerned with the serious and deteriorating problem of unemployment throughout the Community. The resolution emphasised the importance of achieving sound economic growth and the conditions necessary for the creation and growth of businesses. The resolution underlined the importance of effective labour market measures—in particular, quality employment services for those looking for a job and training which is geared to the needs of the labour market. The resolution identified various ways in which the Council and European Commission would continue to give high priority to the issue of unemployment, including in the forthcoming review of the European social fund. This resolution flows from the employment initiative launched by the United Kingdom presidency and was warmly welcomed by the Council.
Other useful measures agreed at the Council include a health and safety directive concerned with extractive industries, a resolution to promote the acceptance of vocational qualifications across the Community, and conclusions on the importance of ensuring timely and fully effective implementation and enforcement of EC social directives throughout the Community.
In discussion, progress was made on a range of further proposals in the social area including the HELIOS programme for disabled people, the directive on subcontracted workers, and instruments concerned with the free movement of labour and with health and safety at work.
The working time directive was also discussed. However, the directive continues to pose significant difficulties for a number of member states and it was not possible for progress to be made on this instrument.
This meeting of the Council formed an important part of the aim of the United Kingdom presidency to make 619W sensible progress on the EC social dimension, in ways which directly affect for the better the lives of individual citizens in the Community.
§ Ms. QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will make a statement on the outcome of the EC Social Affairs Council on 3 December; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Chingford (Mr. Duncan-Smith) today.