HL Deb 27 July 1979 vol 401 c2168WA
Lord IRONSIDE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (i) How soon after initial publication in Brussels are Commission proposals for Directives available to firms, other organisations or individuals in the United Kingdom and through what sources may they be obtained; and
  2. (ii) in view of the average delay of three months between initial publication and publication in the Official Journal, whether they will assist in making such Community documentation more readily available in the United Kingdom immediately following the initial publication date.

Lord CARRINGTON

Commission proposals for Council Regulations, Directives and Decisions are available to the public in the Library of the Commission Information Office, 20 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QQ, usually within 10 days of initial publication in Brussels. The Government publish details of documents deposited in Parliament in theOfficial Gazette, and the periodical Trade and Industry and provide similar information to the CBI and TUC. Individual departments maintain informal contacts with interested groups and industries about specific proposals. These arrangements meet the practical requirements of those concerned.