HC Deb 19 July 1983 vol 46 c80W
Mr. Hanley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he intends to extend the scope of the Trade Descriptions (Origin Marking) (Miscellaneous Goods) Order 1981.

Mr. Waller

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to complete his review of the origin marking order issued in January 1982 referred to in the answer by the Minister for Consumer Affairs to the hon. Member for Keighley on 21 February 1983, Official Report, c. 660.

Mr. Fletcher

Before deciding the case for extending the order, we must await the outcome of discussions with the European Commission on the compatibility of our origin marking requirements as they stand with European Community law. The Commission's current view, which we have made clear we do not accept, is that application of the order to goods imported from elsewhere in the Community is in breach of article 30 of the EC treaty.