HC Deb 18 July 1997 vol 298 cc361-2W
Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will implement measures brought under the qualified majority voting section of the social chapter, in circumstances where these are contrary to Government policy. [9081]

Mr. Doug Henderson

We will negotiate constructively with the aim of ensuring that any EC legislation adopted by QMV takes into account UK policy.

Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the social chapter on the competitiveness of British companies. [9075]

Mr. Henderson

Only two directives have so far been adopted under the Agreement on Social Policy. These simply introduce minimum standards which reflect good business practice and we do not believe that they will damage competitiveness.

We will use our influence in the EU to promote employability and competitiveness.

Mr. Streeter

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs what percentage of social chapter legislation is subject to qualified majority voting. [9123]

Mr. Henderson

Both the two directives so far adopted under the Agreement on Social Policy were subject to QMV. The voting procedure for the draft directive currently under discussion (Burden of Proof) would also be QMV.

It is not possible to predict what percentage of future legislation under the Agreement will be subject to QMV.

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