§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Minister for Trade if he is satisfied that European Economic Community directive (73/23/EEC) relating to electrical appliances will effectively guarantee high safety standards for low voltage electrical equipment sold in the United Kingdom.
§ Dr. VaughanThe directive requires member States to ensure that electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits shall not be placed on the market unless it is constructed in accordance with good engineering practice in safety matters in force in the Community, and to ensure that the free movement of equipment so constructed is not impeded for reasons of safety. So far this has given the United Kingdom Government the necessary basis on which to provide for the safety of electrical appliances. I am however considering whether the standards relied on under the directive will in future meet our safety requirements.