12. Mr. J. Enoch Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to lay a draft order extending the national type approval scheme to Ulster.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. David Mitchell)I plan to publish a proposal for public consultation later this year. The draft order would then be laid as quickly as possible after the six-week consultation period.
Mr. PowellIs the Minister aware of the anxiety with which this legislation is awaited by the motor trade in Northern Ireland, which believes that it would do much to relieve it from the threat of unfair importation? Will the Minister endeavour to cut down the causes of delay which are still preventing him from forecasting an early date for the presentation of the proposals?
§ Mr. MitchellWe shall proceed as quickly as possible with the preparation of the draft order. The purpose of this order is not in any way to be a restraint on trade. It is not designed to block out imports. It is designed merely to ensure that the imports that come into the country comply with the proper regulations.