§ Lord Bethellasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are prepared to take to ensure that the 14th amendment to the EC Dangerous Substances Directive does not go forward for final agreement until the European Commission has fully carried out its duty to assess the likely cost impact on small firms.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Employment (Lord Henley)The 14th amendment to the Dangerous Substances Directive (Commission Directive 91–410-EEC) has already been adopted. It was certified on 22nd July 1991 and published in the Official Journal of the European Community on 17th August 1991. Given the aims and nature of the directive, the scope for special provision for small firms would appear to be limited.