§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initial response he has made to the proposal for a European statute on co-operatives, mutuals and voluntary organisations; what consultations he intends to carry out on this proposal before it is adopted by the European Commission as a draft regulation; and what further steps he intends to take.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe Commission has asked the Government for their views on a proposal for a European statute on co-operatives, mutuals and voluntary organisations. I welcome the fact that the Commission has consulted member states' Governments. After proper consideration, we shall make our views known to the Commission.