HC Deb 01 December 1982 vol 33 cc200-2W
Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade (1) when last he received written advice from the Overseas Projects Board; and what action he has taken as a result;

(2) when last he received written advice from the Export Guarantee Advisory Council; and what action he has taken as a result.

Mr. Peter Rees

I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade when last he received written advice from the Standard Advisory Committee on Patents; and what action he has taken as a result.

Dr. Vaughan

Members of the standing advisory committee were asked on 27 October 1982 for their views on the European Commission's draft block exemption regulation for patent licence agreements. My officials are considering the replies received in order to prepare for a meeting with Commission officials.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade when last he received written advice from the Standing Advisory Committee on Trade Marks; and what action he has taken as a result.

Dr. Vaughan

Members of the standing advisory committee were asked on 12 October 1982 for their views on certain aspects of the draft EEC legislation for a Community trade mark system. My officials are considering the replies received as part of the preparation for a forthcoming meeting of the EEC Council working party on this subject.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade when last he received written advice from the Standing Advisory Committee on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods on Ships; and what action he has taken as a result.

Mr. Sproat

This committee produced the "Report of the Standing Advisory Committee on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods in Ships 1978", known universally as the "Blue Book". This forms the basis of my Department's recommendations to shippers and carriers of dangerous goods by sea. The Blue Book was first published in 1978 by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, and has been updated by amendments made following further advice from the committee in July 1979, May 1980 and October 1980. These amendments take account of new developments in the carriage of dangerous goods by sea. Another major amendment is currently being considered by the committee.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade when last he received written advice from the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Household Electrical Equipment; and what action he has taken as a result.

Dr. Vaughan

The Advisory Committee on the Safety of Household Electrical Equipment does not submit written advice, but the views of its members, who represent a wide range of interests, help to discharge my Department's responsibilities for the safety of electrical equipment, including the administration of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1975 and 1976. In accordance with the views the committee expressed at its most recent meeting, in October, the administrative guidance to the regulations is being amended; I am also considering certain amendments to the regulations and making new safety regulations for plugs and socket outlets.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade (1) when last he received written advice from the Cinematograph Films Council; and what action he has taken as a result;

(2) when last he received written advice from the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites; and what action he has taken as a result.

Mr. Sproat

I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade when last he received written advice from the Insurance Advisory Panel; and what action he has taken as a result.

Dr. Vaughan

The Insurance Advisory Panel does not provide collective written advice. The insurance advisers are usually consulted individually about matters within their own particular expertise and experience and their advice is taken into consideration in relation to the exercise of my right hon. and noble Friend's responsibilities under the Insurance Companies Acts.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade when he last received written advice from the Company Law Advisory Council; and what action he has taken as a result.

Dr. Vaughan

My hon. Friend the then Under-Secretary of State explained in the House on 26 February 1980 that the Advisory Panel on Company Law was designed to provide informed advice on possible changes in company law.

The panel is kept under regular review and I have no plans to change its composition or methods of operation. Its proceedings are confidential.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Minister for Trade when he last conducted an overall review of the nationalised industries consumer councils in accordance with the requirement laid down in section 7 of "Non-Departmental Public Bodies: A Guide for Departments"; on what grounds he decided to retain each body; and what areas for savings in finance and manpower were identified.

Dr. Vaughan

[pursuant to his reply, 29 November 1982, c. 62]: My Department issued a consultative document on the future of the NICCs in December 1981. A large number of comments were received and I hope to make a further announcement in the House shortly. The question of potential cost and manpower savings formed part of the review.