HL Deb 18 January 1993 vol 541 cc59-60WA
Lord Clinton-Davis

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they regard European Community legislation as representing an unnecessary or disproportionate interference in the decision-making powers of member states in relation to the following issues: and, in each case, if so, why

  1. (a) equal treatment for men and women in connection with social security;
  2. (b) the need for a data protection directive for telecommunications;
  3. (c) the need for controls on packaging waste;
  4. (d) harmonising road speed limits;
  5. (e) drink-driving tests; and
  6. (f) harmonising company law.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

The Commission reported to the Edinburgh European Council on 11th-12th December 1992 on the first fruits of its review of existing legislation on subsidiarity grounds. The Commission will give a full report on the review by the end of 1993. We will consider specific items of legislation in the context of the Commission's continuing review, which we welcome. In the case of the issues raised, the position is as follows:

  1. (a) Equal treatment for men and women in connection with social security: there is scope for the Community to act in certain issues concerning occupational social security schemes.
  2. (b) Data protection for telecommunications: we welcome the Commission's intention to review the draft directive.
  3. (c) Controls on packaging waste: Community action in this area may be justified to avoid barriers to trade and restriction of competition within the Community.
  4. (d) and (e) Harmonising road speed limits and drink-driving tests: member states already take action appropriate to local conditions and added value from Community action is not evident.
  5. (f) Harmonising company law: we await with interest the Commission's proposals to amend the draft thirteenth company law directive on public takeover bids.