HC Deb 22 May 1985 vol 79 c450W
Mr. Norris

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting of the Internal Market Council held on 7 May.

Mr. Channon

The Council, which I attended, covered a number of issues concerned with the reduction of barriers to trade and professional services within the European Community.

I was very pleased that the Council agreed on new arrangements, for which the Government and industry have pressed, to simplify and speed up the setting of product standards both at European level and by promoting mutual recognition of national standards. These new arrangements should lead to the more rapid removal of barriers to trade within the Community arising from differing national health and safety standards affecting industrial products.

The Council made useful progress towards the granting of right of establishment for the architectural and pharmacist professions. There was also an exchange of views on Commission proposals on frontier crossings by individuals on the proposed commercial agents directive and the proposed European economic interest grouping.