§ Mr. John Fraserasked the Minister for Trade if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the proposed European Economic Community regulations on exclusive purchasing agreements, exclusive selling agreements and specialisation agreements.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Government welcome the European Commission's proposal that, subject to certain conditions, these agreements should continue to benefit from block exemption when the present regulations expire. Following consultation with the various interests that will be affected by the new regulations, we are seeking to secure a number of modifications to the drafts that have been circulated by the Commission. The main issues concern the scope of the exemptions granted by the regulations and the conditions which agreements must fulfil.