§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which paragraphs of article 7 of the European social charter the Government have(a) accepted and (b) rejected; and, in each case, for what reason. [28102]
§ Mr. ForthThe Government have accepted paragraphs 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10 of article 7 as the UK legislation on the protection of children and young persons is in conformity with those provisions of the charter. They have not accepted paragraphs 1, 4, 7 and 8 because those provisions do not accord with UK legislation or practice and would reduce employment opportunities for young persons and increase business costs.