§ Ms MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the steps he intends to take to promote best practice in eradicating domestic violence across Europe during Britain's Presidency of the EU. [28449]
§ Mr. MichaelCombating violence against women is a significant priority of the United Kingdom Government. In an address on 2 February to the European Parliament, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced that, during our Presidency, we shall be working closely with the Commission, fellow members and the European Parliament towards organising a Europe-wide Conference of member states and applicant countries including non-Governmental organisations. The purpose is to raise awareness of ways to tackle domestic violence and we hope the conference can be held towards the end of 1999. Our Presidency will also be co-ordinating European Union member states' approach to the meeting in March of the United Nations Commission of the Status of Women, a major theme of which will be violence against women. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary with responsibility for Women will be leading the European Union delegation and will deliver a speech on behalf of the European Union Presidency.