§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will lay regulations to implement EC directive 89/48/EEC on the recognition of professional qualifications.
§ Mr. SainsburyI have today laid in Parliament the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 1991 under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972. These regulations would implement into United Kingdom law Council directive 89/48/EEC on a general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of a t least three years' duration.
The directive represents a significant improvement in the opportunities that will be available to members of the professions throughout the Community. It will enable a professional to use his home state professional qualification to obtain access to the equivalent profession in other member states. He will not have to have to undergo the education and training required for the profession in the other member states. The directive will also benefit consumers who will gain from improved competition in professional services.
The United Kingdom would be only the second member state, after Ireland, to have implemented the directive in full. I am anxious that consumers in the United Kingdom should enjoy the benefits of improved competition in the provision of professional services as soon as possible. This action maintains the excellent record of the United Kingdom on the implementation of Community directives.
I will also be encouraging other member states to fulfil their Community obligations without delay so that United Kingdom professionals are able to take full advantage of the system of mutual recognition established by the directive.