§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the numbers of organisations that have made representations concerning the draft directive on footwear labelling; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighFollowing a request for comments on the draft directive on footwear labelling which officials in my Department sent to a wide range of bodies representing the interests of manufacturers, retailers and consumers, representations were received from 31 organisations.
There is general agreement on the need for Community rules on footwear labelling. The comments on the detail of the draft directive were communicated to the EC Commission and the first draft has now been revised. My 177W officials are continuing to consult all the interested parties and will seek to ensure in future discussions with the Commission that the common labelling rules ultimately agreed will be acceptable to all concerned.