§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will hold discussions with(a) the European Commission and (b) the French Government on the operation of the French national rules requiring that yachts registered in France must be captained at all times by French nationals, with regard to the freedom of movement of labour within the EU; whether she has assessed the impact of these rules on the employment of UK nationals; and if she will make a statement. [62098]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 18 June 2002]: I have been asked to reply.
We support the principle of free movement of labour within the EU and the need to ensure that exceptions are clearly justified.
Government officials have previously been in contact with the European Commission about the French national rules, which the French Government have argued in the past reflect public duties placed on the captains of French vessels. The Commission has expressed the view that these appear compatible with Community law. My Department will consider any particular case that is brought to our attention.