§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he has taken to assemble any observations sent by British enterprises, trade associations, or similar bodies to the Commission of the European Economic Community for consideration during the pre-publication stage of the proposals it plans to present to the Council of Ministers within the scheduled programme of harmonisation.
§ Mr. MaudeIt is most important that business makes its concerns known to the Commission, both directly and through Government channels, if possible before particular proposals are published. Business usually keeps Departments informed of direct contacts with the Commission, and this is extremely helpful. My Department and other Departments with responsibilities in this area take business concerns fully into account in our contact with the Commission before the publication of proposals and during subsequent negotiations.