§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what inquiries have been received from the European Commission concerning the implementation by the United Kingdom of the 1985 EC product liability directive; what replies have been sent by his Department; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 13 December 1990]: The EC Commission issued a reasoned opinion in July 1990 tinder article 169 of the EC treaty, setting out its concern over the way in which the United Kingdom has implemented the EC directive on product liability in part I of the Consumer Protection Act 1987. A full reply was sent in October 1990, and it is now for the Commission to decide whether to pursue the matter further.
By mutual agreement, the Commission and all member states treat proceedings under article 169 as confidential. I am therefore afraid that I am unable to make available the details of the correspondence.