HC Deb 08 March 1989 vol 148 cc544-5W
Mr. Meale

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will set out in theOfficial Report the approximate expenditure planned in respect of his 1992 awareness programme, together with the sums spent on each component of the programme; and what steps he has taken to acquaint each section of domectic industry or overseas visible or invisible trade interests with the final form of legislation of the European Economic Community relating to their activities.

Mr. Maude

[holding answer 6 March 1989]: Expenditure to date on DTI's campaign to encourage firms to plan for the single European market has been over £12.5 million. Of this, some £8.75 million is represented by national advertising. The other £3.75 million has provided a detailed and comprehensive range of literature; a major series of business conferences; a national telephone inquiry service and mailing operation; the Spearhead computer database; video materials; and research into business preparations. The campaign represents a major and sustained effort to help Britain's firms prepare for the single market. Resources will continue to be allocated accordingly.

Government Deprtments seek to keep all sections of business fully up-to-date on the progress of relevant EC legislation. In addition, the DTI's Spearhead database provides details of all single market measures and other measures (such as environment proposals) of interest to business, including access to the full texts of the relevant EC legislation. Where appropriate, spearhead gives details of how measures have been implemented in the United Kingdom. The DTI has also prepared a checklist showing in tabular form progress on the proposals in the Commission's 1985 White Paper on the single market.

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