---

European Union (Accessions) Bill

As my hon. Friend suggests, we showed considerable bravery at the time of the previous accession. I believe that subsequent events have justified that. I listened with interest to my colleague the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality when he discussed the matter on the ““Today”” programme this week. He made it clear that, on the basis of the recent figures that were published in June, the individuals in question have not been a profound burden on the UK welfare state or the taxpayer. Many have made a significant and valuable contribution to the dynamism of the British economy and the strength of the labour market. The workers who come here are mostly young and do not all work in London—only 20 per cent. are based there—but choose to work throughout the UK. They make a valuable contribution to our economy and our society. They are employed in a broad range of industries from health care to business administration to farming—industries where there would otherwise be serious gaps in our labour market. They contribute to the UK’s economic growth and our tax revenues without being a burden on the state. Of course, the position can change. That is why we intend to make a decision on the amount of access we grant Bulgarian and Romanian workers on the basis of the requirements of the labour market closer to the date of accession and after consideration of other member states’ decisions. The Home Office, the Cabinet Office, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will all be involved in the process.