§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a further statement on the advertising with all countries of the EEC regarding announcements on tenders for public purchasing of textiles in accordance with the directive of 1 July 1978.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettThere has been no significant improvement as yet in the pattern of advertisements for public contracts placed in accordance with the requirements of the EEC supplies directive, but Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland have begun advertising which 565W is a welcome development. In the period to 27 February, only the United Kingdom (8) and Denmark (2) have advertised textile contracts. However, as I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Radice), on 10 November, we have made representations to the Commission, which has taken formal action to compel those member States which have not yet done so to comply fully with the directive. Our latest information suggests that this action is proving effective and that the directive should be in full operation shortly.