HC Deb 26 April 1989 vol 151 cc537-8W
Mr. Ian Bruce

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the internal market Council held on 13 April.

Mr. Maude

The Council, at which I represented the United Kingdom, adopted directives on secondary fertilisers and on the design and construction of side guards to be fitted to heavy goods vehicles.

It also reached common positions on three proposals, as follows. The draft 11th company law directive requires companies from outside a member state that establish a place of business (or branch) in that member state to deliver certain documents, including accounting documents, to the relevant companies registry. The broadcasting directive will break down existing barriers to the free flow of television programmes across frontiers in the Community; and a directive on dangerous substances will harmonise restrictions on the marketing and use of seven dangerous substances and preparations.

The Council also discussed the proposal for an EC merger control regulation, and the draft directive on right of residence thoughout the Community for EC nationals not already deemed to have such a right under the free movement provisions of the Treaty of Rome.