§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his policy on the European Community draft directive for general duty to trade safety.
§ Mr. ButcherThe Consumer Protection Act 1987 introduced a general safety requirement into United Kingdom law on 1 October 1987. We can therefore support in principle the concept of a general safety duty throughout the European Community. When the EC draft directive is communicated, we will approach the discussions with the Commission and member states in a constructive way. But there are a number of potential problems involved in this complex issue which will need careful handling if it is to result in genuine improvements to the protection afforded to consumers.