Meaning of "the Treaties" and "the Community Treaties"

Part of Orders of the Day — European Communities (Amendment) Bill – in the House of Commons at 6:45 pm on 3 December 1997.

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Photo of Steve Pound Steve Pound Labour, Ealing North 6:45, 3 December 1997

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that intervention, but that is not my understanding of the current position of the CBI. I am confident that after the port and cigars have been passed around tonight and we have had the opportunity to discuss the matter the CBI will be as much in favour of the social chapter as I am.

The two main subjects under discussion—the social chapter and the employment title—have been described as empty boxes. Various other metaphors—[Interruption.] I am sorry, Mr. Lord. I thought that I was being told to shut up. There were gesticulations from behind the Chair. As someone who is fairly new to the ways in which this place operates, I thought that it might mean that I was committing some social solecism.

The new provisions on social affairs and employment are not empty boxes but some of the most important provisions of the Amsterdam treaty. I cannot understand why Conservative Members do not appreciate how much those two specific aspects concern the people of Europe and Britain. It is not for me to speak for the Government, and it will doubtless never be my place to speak for the Government, but were I able so to do I would say that we welcomed those provisions whole-heartedly. By bringing the social chapter into the treaty, we have made it clear once and for all that British workers are worthy of the same rights and protection as their European brothers and sisters—and about time, too. I believe that Mr. Bercow is about to rise.