HC Deb 27 February 1991 vol 186 cc487-8W
Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the latest position in the Council of Ministers with regard to the European Community's product safety directive.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 25 February 1991]: The Council of Ministers considered the proposed EC directive on general product safety at its meeting on 22 October 1990. Progress was made on some key issues but it was also clear that a number of significant problems still remained. The directive was therefore referred back to the council working group for further discussion. The Luxembourg Presidency is now considering how best to handle the continuing negotiations.

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the other countries in the EC which are seeking to have food removed from the scope of the European Community's product safety directive.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 25 February 1991]: A number of member states have difficulties in accepting that food should be included in the proposed general product safety directive, at least as it is currently drafted. These include the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands and Ireland. However, discussions are continuing to see if the safety of food can be adequately dealt with in a general safety directive.

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the Government's reasons for seeking to have food removed from the provisions of the European Community's product safety directive.

Mr. Leigh

[holding answer 25 February 1991]: In the negotiations on the proposed EC general product safety directive, the United Kingdom has taken the view that, as drafted, there are particular features of food safety that are not adequately dealt with in a general duty affecting consumer products. There are already many directives which already apply to different aspects of food safety and more are under discussion. There is also concern that by applying a further layer of legislation to an already heavily regulated sector, there would be uncertainty and confusion without necessarily adding significantly to the protection afforded to consumers.