§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what attitude Her Majesty's Government intend to take towards the latest revised draft of European Community directive III/1212/81 EN regarding construction codes; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungThis document is the latest draft of a possible directive, on which the Commission is consulting member States. While the Government's attitude cannot be finally determined until a formal proposal is presented by the Commission to the Council, my Department has made it clear to the Commission in writing that the United Kingdom sees no need for the development of common structural codes and that the United Kingdom's continued co-operation in this work is without prejudice to the Government's position if a proposal is presented to the Council.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any organisation representing the United Kingdom construction industry has made representations to him either supporting or opposing the latest draft European Community directive on construction codes; and whether he will seek to dissuade the Commission from devoting any more time to this project, in view of the low level of support for it in the United Kingdom construction industry.
§ Sir George YoungMy Department has received representations from United Kingdom industry, almost unanimously to the effect that there is no need for common structural codes. This has already been made quite clear to the Commission. However, they have a right of initiative under the Treaty of Rome and support for this work from other member States.