HC Deb 13 March 2002 vol 381 cc1077-8W
Mr. Connarty

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Internal Market, Consumer and Tourism Council on 1 March; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [40765]

Miss Melanie Johnson

There was a presentation from the Commission on its Cardiff report on economic reform, followed by a debate. Conclusions were adopted on the outcome of this year's Cardiff process, which are to be submitted to the Barcelona spring council. The council also adopted conclusions on the Commission's proposal to set up a computerised system (SOLVIT) to help improve the handling of complaints from citizens and businesses facing problems caused by the misapplication of internal market rules. The Council also adopted a resolution on the labelling of video and computer games.

There was a Presidency briefing on the Community Patent followed by a lunchtime discussion. There was a Commission presentation on its newly published proposal on computer implemented inventions (software patents), which aims to clarify the law in this area.

The Presidency initiated an exchange of views on the changeover to the euro from a consumer perspective and there was also a Presidency progress report on work during its term so far of simplifying, clarifying and updating the EC procurement directives.

There was a Commission briefing on the Green Paper on EU consumer protection and a progress report on amended proposals for a Council regulation on the statute for a European Co-operative Society, which would provide co-operatives with a legal framework to enable them to operate freely across borders on equal terms of competition with companies.

There were no legislative items on the agenda for agreement. However, Council conclusions on the Cardiff process, the SOLVIT problem solving database and standardisation were all adopted, with the UK in favour. The Council resolution on the labelling of video and computer games was also adopted with the UK in favour.