European Co-operative Statute

HC Deb 19 April 1995 vol 258 cc182-3W

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action the Government are taking to progress the European Co-operative Statute with a view to reaching a common position during the French presidency in the first half of the current year; and if he will make a statement. [19451]

Mr. Nelson

The Government are negotiating constructively on the proposal for a European Co-operative Statute. A number of important issues need to be resolved, including the legal base, protection of creditors on transfer of registered office and the question of compulsory employee participation. Discussions on the statute are continuing in the Council working group in Brussels.