§ Mr. LathamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the programme of work in which his Department is involved 717W with the construction and allied industries relating to the European Community's harmonisation programme in 1992 under the Single European Act.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Department leads the negotiations on the draft construction products directive as part of the agreed Community programme for the completion of the single market by the end of 1992. The directive, when implemented, should benefit the United Kingdom construction products industry by requiring the removal of non-tariff barriers to trade between member states. Although negotiations on the draft directive are at an advanced stage it is not yet possible to say when it will be implemented.
The Department is also involved in the development of European technical standards in support of the directive.