HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 cc730-1W
Sir Richard Body

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will place in the Library a copy of the full correspondence between her Department and European Commissioner Flynn on the European Union discussion document on social protection. [12509]

Mr. Keith Bradley

In March the European Commission published, "Communication on Modernising and Improving Social Protection in the European Union", with the invitation that recipients submit observations on the range of issues covered.

A copy of the letter sent to Commissioner Flynn on 17 July has been placed in the Library. This response welcomed a well structured discussion in Europe of Key issues in social protection, but ruled out direct involvement of the EU in decisions which remain the responsibility of member states. It also gave an outline of the Government's priorities and thinking on modernising social protection.