§ Mr. JackTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the implications of the European Community directive on electromagnetic compatibility; and how he proposes to draw the attention of the United Kingdom electrical and electronics industry to them.
§ Mr. AtkinsAs part of the Department's single market campaign, we have issued much material drawing industry's attention to the implications of the EMC and other "new approach" directives, and we have consulted companies and trade associations regularly on the negotiations. Now that the directive has been agreed, we shall issue shortly a booklet on its terms, and later this year a consultative document on its implementation.
Industry must prepare itself for the implementation of the directive, and we are planning a major awareness campaign to ensure that companies are aware of the opportunities, as well as the technical requirements. We have already commissioned a study by W. S. Atkins (Management Consultants) on the availability of accredited test facilities, and the results show a considerable shortfall in the capacity which will be needed. The awareness campaign will address this problem.