§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what representations he has received on the draft directive on the harmonisation of the laws of member states relating to appliances burning gaseous fuels; and what representations he has made to the European Commission on this subject.
§ Mr. ForthWe have received a number of written representations on this subject from member companies of the Society of British Gas Industries and my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry South-West, (Mr. Butcher) the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Industry and Consumer Affairs, recently met a delegation drawn from its membership. In addition, views have been canvassed more widely from the gas supply and manufacturing industry as part of the normal consultation process.
Detailed representations to the Commission which reflect to a large extent the technical concerns expressed by industry have been made through the participation of officials in the Commission working party of experts set up to examine this draft directive.