HC Deb 24 July 1978 vol 954 cc1136-7
12. Mr. John Ellis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what effect he expects EEC directives to standardise noise levels on mowing and grinding machines will have on imports and exports.

Mr. Meacher

If these proposals became directives without further amendments, the effect on our trade might well be negative, but we shall seek to change it to avoid this.

Mr. Ellis

Will my hon. Friend accept that if there is a problem with noise from mowing machines or, for that matter, grinding machines, whether in Brussels, Bonn, Bolton, Bombay or Baghdad, the individual countries are better able to deal with it themselves? Since my hon. Friend has said that the legislation is likely to have no effect at all, will he cease taking part in this kind of useless negotiation? The Common Market, whatever one's view of it, is making itself a complete laughing stock in making such proposals.

Mr. Meacher

The Commission started work, I understand, on a draft directive to harmonise lawn mower noise limits because existing limits in German legislation constitute a technical barrier under article 100. I am bound to say that there seems something to be said for the view that the Commission's whole approach to harmonisation, if it is based on examples like this, is ridiculous and misguided, and we certainly intend to block this directive.

Mr. Marten

I thank the Minister for that last comment, but does he not agree that the logic of such a proposal might be that the Government should ask the Commission to propose a draft directive that the level of noise of all motor cars should be reduced to that of the British Rolls-Royce?

Mr. Meacher

That is an ingenious suggestion.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

Is my hon. Friend aware that almost all of our population, irrespective of whether they are pro-Market or anti-Market, are fed up to the eye teeth with the silly, stupid directives that keep emanating from Brussels? Is it not about time that Ministers went over there with no noise at all and gave the Churchill sign in reverse, which would please the people of this country?

Mr. Meacher

That is broadly what we intend to do.