13. We consider that the following raises
questions of political importance, but make no recommendation for
its further consideration:--
Department of Social Security
(17600)
-- |
Draft Resolution on the role of social protection systems in
the fight against unemployment. |
| Legal base: |
None required, but the Resolution is to be adopted on the
basis of unanimity. |
Introduction
13.1 This draft Resolution put forward by the
Irish Presidency is part of the process of debate and exchange
of information envisaged in the Commission Communication The
future of social protection: a framework for a European
debate which we considered on 10 January 1996[28] and which was debated in
European Standing Committee B on 24 April.[29]
The draft Resolution
13.2 The draft Resolution refers to earlier
Recommendations and to the "important contribution"
which social security systems make to the fight against
unemployment, and in particular to enabling people to achieve the
transition into work. It calls on Member States to recognise
this contribution and to further the exchange of information, in
concert with the Commission and within existing structures.
The Government's view
13.3 In his Explanatory Memorandum (dated 15
November) the Secretary of State for Social Security (Mr Lilley)
says:
"The UK has already done a great deal to ensure that
social security policies support employment growth and help
people to take up and remain in work. The Government is willing
to exchange information on this on the basis, acknowledged in the
Resolution, that Member States are solely responsible for
determining the scope, organisation and financing of their social
security systems.
"Under Article 118 of the Treaty the Commission has
the task of promoting close co-operation between Member States
in the social field, including social security. To this end it
makes studies, delivers opinions and arranges consultations on
problems arising."
The text of the proposal
13.4 As this is a proposal put forward by the
Presidency rather than the Commission, no official document of
the sort we would normally require will be produced. We have,
however, seen a copy of the text which the Council will be
considering.
Conclusion
13.5 Since, as the Minister says, the
Resolution recognises that it is for Member States to determine
how their social protection schemes should be developed and run,
the Resolution does not breach the principle of subsidiarity.
The "collective reflection" which the earlier
Communication invited Member States to undertake has not produced
any quoted results.
13.6 This Resolution can be regarded mainly as
an exhortation. It is non-binding, and the issues were broadly
covered in the debate in April. We are therefore clearing it.
28. (16697) 11478/95; see HC 51-v (1995-96),
paragraph 4, 10 January 1996. Back
29. Official Report, European Standing
Committee B, 24 April 1996. Back
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