§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many directives under the social chapter are currently being prepared by the European Commission; and how many of these will be subject to unanimous decision. [6088]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Commission have launched consultations with a view to possible legislation in two areas under the Social Agreement: rights to part-time workers, on which the European Social Partners have negotiated a framework agreement which may be translated into a directive; and arrangements for information and consultation of workers, on which the Commission recently published a consultation paper. The Voting procedure for directives on either of these issues would be Qualified Majority Voting.