To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement concerning the proposals for a European Community directive concerning part-time work.

The proposed directives on part-time and temporary work are misguided and unnecessary. They would damage job prospects in Britain and right across Europe. They are in conflict with the well-established principle of European Community legislation that issues which are best dealt with at national level should be left to member states to decide. We shall oppose the directives vigorously.