§ 34. Mr. CashTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will make a statement on the completion of the single market in the light of the outcome of the Hanover summit.
§ Mr. MaudeThe Hanover European Council agreed that the objective of completing the single market is now irreversible. Almost 200 separate measures have already been agreed, including over 50 in the first half of this year alone. Notable agreements reached over the last month on the liberalisation of capital movements, the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and the opening up of the international road haulage market are a clear demonstration that barriers to trade in the Community are being cut, to the benefit of both business and the consumer. The Council also set out four priority areas for further work : opening up of public purchasing; further liberalisation of banking and other financial services; common standards for manufactured products; and intellectual property. We strongly endorse these priorities, and will be working to ensure that the momentum is maintained towards completion of the single market.