§ Ms. QuinTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what effect the EEC moves to harmonise the internal market can be expected to have on consumer protection from the use of hazardous flammable materials in furniture upholstery.
§ Mr. MaudeI am considering remaking the 1980 Upholstered Furniture (Safety) Regulations, as furniture flammability is a significant consumer hazard. I am not aware of any Community proposals in this area.
Under the terms of directive 83/189, member states are required to notify the Commission of proposals for new regulations. A three-month period is then required for consideration of such proposals by the Commission and by member states: if any objection is raised the period of delay is extended to six months. Should the Commission put forward a proposal for a directive on the subject, national action may be delayed for 12 months from the date of notification.