HC Deb 19 October 1998 vol 317 c1036W
Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of the cost to United Kingdom businesses which will arise from(a) the Parental Leave Directive, (b) the Works Councils Directive and (c) the Part Time Work Directive. [54246]

Mr. Ian McCartney

[holding answer 31 July 1998]: Compliance Cost Assessments were attached to the Explanatory Memoranda submitted to this House and another place on 28 October 1997 (in relation to the Parental Leave and European Works Councils Directives) and 17 March 1998 (in relation to the Part Time Work Directive).

We shall be carrying out further analysis to refine these estimates. The Government consider that these measures will benefit employers and employees alike, and will not impose under costs or burdens upon business.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the costs of the(a) Parental Leave Directive, (b) Works Council Directive and (c) Part Time Work Directive to British business. [53974]

Mr. Mandelson

(holding answer 31 July 1998): I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given today to Question 54246 from his hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale, West (Mr. Brady).