Working Time Directive

HC Deb 07 September 2004 vol 424 cc1048-9W

Mr. Bellingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with her European counterparts regarding proposals to abolish the individual opt-out from the 48-hour limit set by the Working Time Directive; and if she will make a statement. [186337]

Mr. Sutcliffe

I am not aware of any European proposals to abolish the individual opt out. Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have had a number of key meetings with the Commission and member states to ensure that the UK's position is well represented with regards to the opt out.

We are committed to retaining the opt out and securing a solution to both the opt out and SiMAP/ Jaeger which will work for all member states.

We are currently awaiting publication of the Commission's proposals on the review of the Working Time Directive.