HC Deb 25 July 1977 vol 936 cc22-3
22. Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what reply he has sent to any representations from the British Standards Institution concerning the proposed international 16-amp plug and socket system.

Mr. John Fraser

Government comments have been sent to the British Standards Institution by my Department on proposals leading to a voluntary international standard for a new and unique system of electrical plugs and sockets. These proposals, although fundamental, do not specify a complete system, and until full details of this are available the Government cannot endorse their formal acceptance.

Mr. Spearing

Does the Minister understand that even the prospect of a voluntary system for operating some of the proposals which have been made public is arousing deep misgiving among the British public, and particularly among people who have ring mains? Will he let the House know his views on whether any future standards should involve fusing for each plug? Has he any plans for displaying to the public some of the proposals relating to this voluntary system, whatever his views may be about them?

Mr. Fraser

It is a proposed voluntary international standard, and the proposals are at such an early stage that it is too soon to make any judgment at all about fusing, integration with ring main circuits and so on. It is such a long way off that I must reserve my position until I can see in detail how the international standard works out.

I understand that some publicity has already been given to explaining the system, but it is probably too early a stage at which to be able to explain any kind of comprehensive system as to the interface between the plug and the socket.

Mr. Costain

Is the Minister aware that some of those who are not enthusiastic above the common Market, are trying to persuade the public that all the latest 13 amp systems in this country are out of date? Will the Minister make it clear that they are not?

Mr. Fraser

They are not out of date. If this country were to adopt the new system, it would not come into general use for 60 or 70 years.