HC Deb 17 July 1972 vol 841 cc10-1W
49. Mr. Strang

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to initiate discussions between his Department and the European Economic Community Commission regarding proposals for a Community industrial policy aimed at encouraging European-based firms in fields of high technology.

Mr. John Davies

My officials and I have already had many discussions with the Commission about its proposals in this field, which are still being considered within the Community of Six.

53. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in discussions with Great Britain's prospective European Economic Community partners on the matter of consumer protection.

Mr. John Davies

There has been discussion with the EEC Commission about draft regulations and directives in such fields as food standards, weights and measures and consumer safety; and wider issues of consumer policy have been discussed with our prospective partners within committees of the Council of Europe and the OECD.

60. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the position will be regarding the maintenance of company names and trade names and descriptions of goods, articles and services on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community and on dispute as to which company is entitled to claim rights to title; and whether such claim would be settled in the British court or the European court if the disputants include firms and countries outside Great Britain contesting with British firms.

Mr. Noble

There are EEC directives relating to trade descriptions which we shall comply with by amending our own law. There is no directive relating to company names or to trademarks. In all these matters disputes will continue to be settled by the competent British authorities.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will make a statement on the effects on Great Britain's trade of the European Economic Community Secondary Legislation Part 5 Customs Questions Regulation No. 686/72/EEC of 5th April, 1972, published on 8th July.

Mr. Noble

This regulation makes minor technical amendments to the "origin rules" of the Association Agreement between the existing Community and Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The present agreement expires on 31st January, 1975, and will not apply to the United Kingdom.