HC Deb 13 April 1981 vol 3 cc5-6
5. Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions he has held with the British Standards Institution to align British standards more closely with those prevailing in other countries.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

My Department maintains regular close contact with the British Standards institution on all aspects of standards making. We and the Institution are fully aware of the importance of international harmonisation of standards and actively support appropriate measures promoting this.

Mr. Moate

May I refer my right hon. Friend to correspondence that I have had from a local industrial manufacturer of automotive products, who believes that we are lagging behind West Germany in this respect? I understand that the CBI also echoes the view that we could do a great deal to promote national and international trade if there were a greater application of British standards. Does my right hon. Friend feel that there could be a more active role for the Government in encouraging the voluntary extension of the application of British Standards?

Mrs. Oppenheim

I can reassure my hon. Friend that the BSI and DIN—the West Germany equivalent—are strong supporters of international standards work. We and the institution believe that the best way to achieve harmonisation between British and German standards and others throughout the world is through adopting agreed international standards, thus offering the benefits of even wider markets to everyone. I know of the particular concern that my hon. Friend has expressed to me, but my answer covers that point.

Mr. Dykes

Although trade marks are standards of a slightly different kind, will my right hon. Friend say what is happening to the plan for a European trade mark office? Will she undertake to pursue that objective with all due speed and energy?

Mrs. Oppenheim

We are doing what my hon. Friend has asked, but it would be over-optimistic to expect any early results from it. I shall, however, pay particular attention to what he has said, and see that careful note is taken of it in any negotiations that may yet ensue.

Mr. John Evans

Is there any evidence of members of the EEC refusing to accept British goods which meet British standards on the basis that they do not qualify for the national standards within Europe, say, French or German standards? Is there any evidence that the United Kingdom refuses to accept goods from our EEC partners because they do not match British standards?

Mrs. Oppenheim

I am not sure what the hon. Gentleman means by "evidence". National standards pertain in each case. In other words, goods sold in this country must comply with British standards. Similarly, in Germany, DIN standards apply. Standards apply individually. The whole benefit of international standards is to permit freer trade and a wider choice for consumers.