§ Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Consumer Affairs Council held in Brussels on 8 November; and if he will make a statement. [98157]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Council debated the proposed Directive on the Distance Marketing of Financial Services. It was agreed that further work would be needed in order to prepare for a common position. The Council also held an open debate on Services of General Interest. The Commission agreed to look at all the options expressed during the debate. Portugal undertook to take this work forward as a priority under their forthcoming Presidency.
Other matters covered included reports from the Commission on the implementation and enforcement of both the Timeshare and Package Travel Directives, information from the Presidency on the outcome of the Tampere Special European Council on Citizens access to justice and on the recently held European Food 2000 seminar.