§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will agree to the proposal by the Comité Européen des Normes to standardise on the continental two-pin unfused star ring system for domestic electricity.
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§ Mr. EggarCENELEC, the body responsible for European electrical standards, is working on draft standards for a future European plug and socket system. While the standards under discussion would not incorporate a fuse in the plug, an equivalent level of protection would be achieved either by a suitable fuse or circuit breaker at the consumer unit or by the incorporation of a fuse in the socket. Moreover, the CENELEC work includes provision for sleeved pins on plugs, shuttered sockets and a three-pin plug for those appliances which need earth protection.
If these discussions result in a European standard, the United Kingdom will need to consider whether to adopt it or seek a derogation. In this assessment, safety will be paramount.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what costs will accrue from standardisation to the continental two-pin unfused star ring system for domestic users.
§ Mr. EggarMy Department has commissioned an independent analysis of the likely costs and benefits for the United Kingdom of adopting a future European plug and socket standard. The final report from the consultants is expected within a few weeks and will be published in the spring to form the basis for wider consultation on this issue. In assessing whether the change to the United Kingdom's present standards might be desirable, full account will be taken of the cost implications for consumers and industry.