Consumer Council

HC Deb 01 July 1987 vol 118 cc93-4W

Mr. Stern

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the Consumer Council held on 10 June.

Mr. Maude

The Council reached agreement on a directive to harmonise legislation prohibiting products which, usually as a novelty, are made or packaged to appear like food or drink, and could be dangerous, especially to children. The Council also reached agreement in principle on a directive to provide common rules for toy safety throughout the community. Formal adoption will not take place in June, however, as the European Parliament's opinion is still awaited.

The Council reached agreement on resolutions responding to reports by the Commission on consumer access to justice, and on a possible general obligation at community level to produce and market only safe goods. The Commission will be undertaking further work on both subjects.

The Council also recorded conclusions on the fundamental elements which should form the basis for a settlement of the proposed unit pricing directives; and agree that a Commission proposal for a child safety information and awareness campaign should be examined further.