§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the outcome of the European Community Environment Council on 18 March; and what progress was made towards green labelling.
§ Mr. BaldryI refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Esher (Mr. Taylor) on 20 March,Official Report, column 129. The discussion on eco-labelling revealed widespread general support for the Commission's proposal, but reservations from a number of member states, including the United Kingdom, about the structures and procedures for administering the scheme. We made clear our concern that the proposal should be agreed as soon as possible and look forward to significant progress at the next meeting of the Council.