§ Mr. Ivan HendersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Consumer Affairs Council held on 3 November. [59968]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Council discussed but did not reach a common position on a decision regarding the funding of Community activities in favour of consumers for 1999–2003 because of disagreement on the overall budget. The Austrian Presidency will try to reach agreement before the new year.
The Council agreed resolutions on the consumer dimensions of the information society and on the need for clear operating instructions to accompany technical consumer goods. An open debate was held on preparations Member States were making for the Euro.
There was also an exchange of views on the issues Member States would like to see in the Commission Action Plan for Consumer Policy Priorities 1999–2001. The Commission indicated they propose to issue a plan in late November.
The Commission gave brief presentations on their proposed directive on the Distance Selling of Financial Services and on their information campaign on consumer health and food safety. A list of the 'A' points approved at the Council has been placed in the Library of the House.