asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to meet his European Community colleagues to consider the level of unemployment in the Community.

The Belgian Presidency of the EC has proposed the following dates for Ministerial meetings which I or my right hon. Friend the Minister of State propose to attend:

1. Standing Committee on Employment (proposed date of meeting is 27 April 1982);

2. Labour and Social Affairs Council (proposed date of meeting is 27 May 1982);

3. Informal Meeting of Employment Ministers (proposed dates of meeting are 5th and 6th April 1982).

As usual, these meetings are likely to consider a range of employment and social affairs questions of current concern to members of the European Community.