HC Deb 01 June 1981 vol 5 cc640-1
19. Mr. Best

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps the Government are taking to accelerate the liberalisation of services in the Community.

Mr. Eyre

We attach high priority to making a full reality of the freedom to provide services throughout the European Community. We are therefore working in all appropriate sectors to secure the early adoption of the necessary Community legal instruments.

Mr. Best

Will my hon. Friend be a little more positive in his approach, because surely he will accept that the principal beneficiary of the liberalisation of services would be the United Kingdom? Does not he think that both the Government and the Commission should prosecute the matter with more vigour?

Mr. Eyre

I agree with the importance that my hon. Friend attaches to the subject. Services are particularly important in our economy, and the Government are foremost in pressing the Community for action to harmonise away obstructive national legislation so that free trade in services may become a reality.