§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in the light of the concern expressed regarding the proposed restrictions coming into force on 1st January 1974 and limiting the right of suitably qualified engineers to achieve chartered status, he will take steps to suspend the coming into force of CEI-sponsored changes to the byelaws.
§ Mr. Michael HeseltineNo. Sir. I have no authority to alter a Privy Council decision taken in 1965 to raise the qualification standards for chartered engineers. Separately I am arranging for recognition in Europe for members of institutions outside the Council of Engineering Institutions. The question of further amendments to the charter and bye-laws of the CEI will be for discussion when the position in the EEC has been clarified.