§ Mr. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects that discussions on the proposed European directive on product liability will be concluded; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherIt is not possible to predict when these complex discussions will be concluded. This directive was discussed at the Consumer Affairs Council on 12 December and it is expected that it will be on the agenda again at the next Council. When certain fundamental questions have been resolved, I expect the Council working party to be asked to complete its examination of the draft. We will continue to play a constructive part in all of these negotiations.