§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 6 July, if he will list the 11 complaints made by Her Majesty's Government during 1989, indicating in each case the nature of the complaint and the country against which it was made.
§ Mr. RedwoodIt is not the Government's practice to give details of particular complaints referred to the Commission. It could be damaging to the interests of the United Kingdom if allegations against other member states that were as yet unproven were made public. United Kingdom companies might be discouraged from pursuing complaints if they know that they were not to be treated in confidence. Should a complaint lead to the initiation of formal proceedings by the Commission, these are made public.
Of the 11 complaints made in 1989, one has resulted in such formal proceedings; in relation to Denmark's revision of social security contributions discriminating against imports the Commission has issued a "reasoned opinion".
Two further cases have been the subject of letters requesting the member state's observations under article 169. Four cases have resulted in positive action by member states, without formal procedures being required. Four cases are still being considered by the Commission.