§ Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) on what dates meetings have been held with the EEC Commission relating to the draft proposal for a directive on the harmonisation of the laws relating to commercial travelers— employees—since the accession of the United Kingdom;
(2) if he will define the categories of employee included within the scope of the draft proposal for an EEC directive on the harmonisation of laws relating to commercial travellers.
§ Mr. DeakinsNo proposal has so far been tabled by the Commission on this subject. The possibility of harmonising the laws relating to commercial agents within the Community is being explored by the Commission's services with member States, including ourselves, and informal contacts continue at working level. The categories of persons concerned are still the subject of discussion, but there is no present thought that the definition shall include employees. The comments of a wide spectrum of representative bodies have been sought from the outset, but pending more definitive proposals I can only regard such representations as I have received as provisional.
§ Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has had for and against the approval by Her Majesty's Government of the present draft proposal for a directive on the harmonisation of the laws relating to commercial travellers.
§ Mr. DeakinsA wide range of views has been expressed about the European Commission's draft proposal for an EEC directive on the harmonisation of laws relating to independent commercial agents. I understand that the Commission is reviewing the draft in the light of law and practice in the United King-544W dom and the other member States which have joined the Community since it was prepared.