HC Deb 08 July 1980 vol 988 c89W
Sir Albert Costain

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received concerning restrictions placed by other European Economic Community countries on the import of cooking appliances manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Kimball

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what representations he has received concerning restrictions placed on other European Economic Community countries on the import of cooking appliances manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Parkinson

I have received no representations as such but I am aware that there is some concern among United Kingdom manufacturers about other member States' testing and approval requirements. A European Community working group under United Kingdom chairmanship has recently reported on certification and approval problems generally, and I hope that this work will lead to a more widespread mutual recognition of testing authorities, with consequent benefits to British exporters.

Mr. Mawby

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied that all cooking appliances imported into the United Kingdom from other European Economic Community countries comply with British Standards.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

There are at present no United Kingdom regulations relating to cooking appliances that require them to conform with British Standards. However, it is generally accepted that compliance with the relevant British Standards would satisfy the requirements for household electrical cooking appliances of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulation 1975 as amended. I intend eventually to introduce new regulations which could provide increased reference to standards and I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy also intends to introduce legislation that would enable him to prescribe standards for gas appliances on the grounds of safety, efficiency or economy of operation.

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