HC Deb 16 October 1996 vol 282 cc996-7W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Social Affairs Council on 24 September. [41204]

Mr. Paice

My noble Friend the Minister of State attended the Social Affairs Council in Brussels on 24 September.

There was a discussion of a draft decision setting up an Employment and Labour Market Committee. General support for the principle of establishing a committee was expressed.

The posted workers directive was adopted as an "A" point. The UK and Portugal voted against the directive. Common position was reached unanimously on an amendment to the carcinogens directive.

There was a series of presentations, including a Commission presentation on a Commission communication on information and consultation of workers, a presidency progress report on the single report on employment for the second Dublin European Council in December, information on the burden of proof directive, which is being taken forward by the other member states under the social protocol and a Commission Green Paper on the social and societal aspects of the information society.