asked the Minister for Labour if the EEC has made proposals in relation to common EEC action on reducing the working week, early retirement, paid educational leave or other matters designed to achieve greater work sharing, if so, if he will have details of each proposal; and if it has been analysed for its effect on overall European competitiveness and on the potential for economic growth of the less developed EEC states.
Written Answers. - Work Sharing.
297.
No formal proposals have, as yet, been put to the Council of Ministers by the EEC Commission in relation to the work-sharing measures referred to by the Deputy. However, these measures have been the subject of discussion in the Community, particularly in the Standing Committee on Employment and in the Tripartite Conference which was held in November 1978. The Heads of State meeting in the European Council on 12 and 13 March 1979 decided to ask the Commission to submit a communication on the social and economic implications of concerted work-sharing.
In considering any proposals made on these matters the Government will have regard to all relevant factors.