§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Competitiveness Council on 11 March; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [161941]
§ Ms HewittI represented the UK at the EU Competitiveness Council in Brussels on 11 March 2004.
The Competitiveness Council's contribution to the spring European Council was adopted. These conclusions covered the following priorities: integrated approach to competitiveness; enhanced competition through better functioning markets; regulatory reform; industry challenges and opportunities; research and innovation; employment and labour market reform; and mid term review of Lisbon agenda.
Council conclusions were adopted on stimulating entrepreneurship, business related services, and basic research.
No agreement was reached on the regulation for the community patent. The Presidency concluded, with disappointment, that they would have to carefully consider the next steps.
There was a Presidency progress report on REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals), and on the regulation for administrative co-operation in the enforcement of consumer protection laws.
An extension of the temporary defence mechanism for shipbuilding was agreed. This is an extension of the measure until the WTO dispute, between the Community and Korea, is settled.
The Presidency announced that the European Parliament had accepted the Council's amendments to the enforcement of intellectual property rights directive, and announced that the directive will shortly be adopted by written procedure.
The proposed directive for an internal market in services was discussed. I congratulated the Commission 328W on this initiative, which should increase competition to the benefit of consumers and make manufacturing more competitive by reducing companies' costs.
There was an exchange of views on European space policy.