HL Deb 24 November 1982 vol 436 cc966-7WA

(i) In the preparation of British Standards, BSI will ensure that its Committees adhere to the guidance and recommendations of BS O 1981 "A Standard for Standards". BSI will ensure that any amendments to this standard do not prejudice the aims and objectives of this Memorandum.

(ii) BSI will seek a fair and acceptable balance of all relevant interests in its work and encourage their full participation in producing British Standards which not only reflect sound and modern technical practice but also take fully into account the commercial needs of both manufacturers and users.

(iii) The Government will ensure that its representatives participate fully in activities at every level of BSI's Board, Council and Committee structure. In particular, they will make such contributions to the technical, commercial and legislative aspects of standards work as are necessary and appropriate, drawing upon the resources and expertise within Government to do so. In addition, the Government representative on a BSI Technical Committee will, before a draft British Standard is issued for public consultation and at final approval stage, say whether and to what extent it is likely to be acceptable to his Department for regulatory or purchasing purposes.

(iv) The principles governing the participation of Government representatives in BSI committees are set out in the "Guidelines for Government Representatives on Standards Committees" published by the Department of Trade. These Guidelines will be reviewed by the Government from time to time in consultation with BSI to ensure that practical participation in BSI's work by Government representatives fully reflects the aims and objectives of this Memorandum.

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