§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects to issue the discussion paper on legal issues relating to employment status; for what reason it has been delayed; and if she will make a statement. [51566]
§ Alan JohnsonI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham on 13 February 2002,Official Report, column 443W. A discussion document is in preparation.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's policy is towards the draft EU law on protection for agency workers; and if she will make a statement. [51565]
§ Alan JohnsonThe European Commission published a proposal for a directive on temporary agency workers in March 2002. We are currently studying the proposal to establish whether it protects agency workers without damaging the important contribution agency workers and agencies make to the labour market and to maintaining high levels of employment.